A PHOTOGRAPHER who captured pictures of ‘everyone’ in Hyndburn has died aged 92.

Garth Dawson died at his home in Queens Road West, Accrington, on Wednesday.

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His daughter Barbara Milne, 65, said she and her sister Judith Murphy, 62, will remember her father as a passionate photographer who would do anything for his family.

She said: “He took photographs of almost everyone in Hyndburn in his generation and my generation.

“I remember when I was younger we’d have to dash to Manchester to get photos in to the national press.

“He was a family man, very hard-working, but he was fun-loving and mischievous as well.

“He supported our mother and ourselves in every way possible.”

Mr Dawson was diagnosed with stomach cancer soon after the death of his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, two months ago.

He had four grandchildren and one great-grandson and was a longstanding member of Accrington Camera Club.

The photographer served in the RAF in the Second World War and later set up his first studio in Union Road in Oswaldtwistle.

He then opened up a store in Infant Street and then ‘The Garth Dawson Studio’ in Bridge Street.

Reg Whittam took over the studio from Mr Dawson almost 25 years ago, after working with the photographer for eight years.

He said he decided to not rename the shop because of the reputation it had with people in the area.

The 56-year-old said: “What I’ll remember most about him is when I met him, coming out of college and foolishly thinking I knew everything. But he taught me the real world.

“He made a huge difference to my career, he taught me so much, the tricks of the trade.

“When I took over I did consider changing the name but because he is so well known and so well respected we kept it. I still get people ringing up asking for Garth.

“There was a shock element when I found out the news, you think people will be around forever.”