WELL-known East Lancashire journalist, Gordon Chapman, has died aged 72.

Gordon, known by many in the Rossendale and Burnley areas as 'scoop Chapman', died in Blackburn Royal Hospital in the early hours of yesterday after a lengthy illness.

For many years Gordon worked as a news reporter for the then Lancashire Evening Telegraph in his native Rossendale and also covered news events in the Burnley, Pendle and Accrington areas.

He started work as a cub reporter on the Bacup Times and, after working for the Rossendale Free Press, joined the reporting staff of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

He quickly became recognised as a prolific gatherer of news stories from a wide circle of contacts he had throughout East Lancashire.

He had covered all local events including the courts, councils and sports.

He was a keen supporter of Bacup Cricket Club.

It was there where his son John played as a wicket keeper/batsman for many years.

One former colleague, Catherine Smyth, said: "It is sad news.

"Gordon was my mentor when I first started in the business and kept me under his wing.

"He helped me when we were together at council meetings and was always a happy and cheerful person to be with."

He leaves his wife, Sandra, three sons, a daughter and their families.

The funeral details have yet to be arranged.