A DAUGHTER has paid tribute to her 'wonderful' father Bill Oddie who died suddenly last weekend.

Mr Oddie, who was managing director of Oddie's Bakery for 30 years, served East Lancashire’s family run company for half a century until his death last Sunday aged 76.

Oddie's Bakery was founded by Bill’s grandfather, William Henry Oddie, and the first shop was opened in Colne in 1905.

Mr Oddie's father John Dean Oddie, known as Jack, then helped steer the business through the 20th century, with the former Sunnyside Primary School pupil taking charge in 1988 following his father’s death.

The Burnley-born baker was seen as a well respected member of the community and has been described by his daughter, Lara, as an 'old fashioned gentleman' who had a 'crackerjack' sense of humour.

Lara, Oddie's marking director, said: "Somebody described dad as having a crackerjack sense of humour and that was him to a tee.

"He just loved life – he played hard and worked hard. He could turn his hand to anything, from icing wedding cakes to making bread.

"I particularly remember the festive season when dad would tell me that he had to go in extra early in the morning, at 3am, to ice the Christmas Cakes.”

The former chairman and president of Belvedere and Calder Vale Sports Club also had a passion for sport and later turned out for Blackburn Rugby Club and batted for Nelson Cricket Club in the Lancashire League.

Also a life member of Lancashire County Cricket Club, he travelled the globe watching cricket with his wife Leslie who he married in 1966.

Lara added: “Dad was massively proud of the whole workforce at Oddie’s and he will be much missed by everybody who knew and loved him.”