LIFELONG Accrington resident Mr Jack Ainsworth died at Blackburn Hospital after a short illness on January 21 aged 92.

For more than 45 years Mr Ainsworth worked in the wages department of Prestige Ewbank in Accrington, becoming office manager.

He retired in 1981. Throughout his career he was respected for his honesty, conscientiousness and integrity.

Throughout his life he was a committed Methodist attending Wesley, Central and Cambridge Street churches.

For more than 15 years he was a church treasurer at Central Methodist and was one of the mainstays of church life and a faithful worshipper until prevented by age and infirmity from regular attendance.

After his retirement he became an active member of New Church institute and Oak Hill Park Veterans where he played snooker and bowls, becoming secretary of ‘the Vets’ and organising many competitions and outings.

He was also a lifelong supporter of Accrington Stanley and his final months were much cheered by their FA cup run.

A widower for more than 10 years following the death of his wife Hilda, he leaves sons Keith and Trevor, daughters-in-law Linda, Judy and the late Irene, three grandchildren Laura, Sally and Hugh, Alison, Jenny and Pete and great-grand children Seamus, Charlie and Megan.

His funeral service will take place at Cambridge Street Methodist Church, Accrington, on Monday February 1 at 1.30pm prior to burial at Accrington Cemetery. Family flowers only and donations to the British Heart Foundation welcome c/o Wolstenholmes Funeral Service.