A Blackburn artist has died on his 60th birthday.

Peter Cunliffe, of Edgeware Road, was found dead in the living room of his house.

An post-mortem examination has been carried out but further histology and toxicology tests are required to establish cause of death.

News of his death on February 29 has saddened staff at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery where he staged his first solo exhibition in 1970.

Following a successful exhibition at the Haworth Art Gallery in January, Peter had been preparing for an exhibition of his larger works at Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery.

The exhibition, titled Circus Series, will go ahead.

Peter studied at Blackburn Art College and the Glasgow School of Art before attending the prestigious Royal College of Art in London.

Stephen Pickles, an art lecturer at Blackburn College said" "I will miss Peter - as will many others."

Coun Michael Law-Riding, executive member for leisure and culture for the Council said: "Peter donated a number of his artworks to the borough."

The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday March 8.