NINETY-seven-year-old Richard Norman Rook, who was known to all of his his friends as Norman, has died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Mr Rook, of Lexburn Close, Accrington, had worked as an accountant for 45 years, an assistant treasurer of Ealing Council, and a voluntary treasurer at St John’s Church in Accrington for seven years, where he was a member of the choir.

He had a love for a number of pastimes including photography, computers, drawing and painting.

Husband of the late Phyllis, he leaves children Tessa, Philip and Richard and daughter-in-law Lyn.

His funeral is on Monday at St Paul’s Church in Accrington, followed by interment at Accrington Cemetery.

Funeral Director: Wolstenholme Funeral Service, Accrington.