TRIBUTES have been paid to a former funeral director in Accrington, who died at the age of 93.

Earle Wilkinson, who worked at the Co-operative Funeral Service, will be buried at St Michael’s and All Angels Church, in Foulridge, on Tuesday. Born in the small village, in Pendle, Mr Wilkinson began work as an apprentice joiner.

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At 17, he signed for Burnley Football Club before joining the RAF.

After the war, Mr Wilkinson returned to joiner, working for Waterworths in Colne, and continued to play football at an amateur level.

He went on to work at Mullards as a security guard before moving to Accrington for a career as a funeral director.

He died in Royal Blackburn Hospital on November 27.

In an obituary, Mr Wilkinson was described as “the dearly loved and devoted husband of the late Alice, dad of Heather, and father-in-law to Stuart.”

It added: “Earle had many interests, such as walking, snooker, and playing football.”

A funeral service will be held at the graveside from 11.30am.

Donations in Mr Wilkinson’s memory can be made to Accrington and District Blind Society.