TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Rossendale journalist who has lost his battle with cancer.

Former Daily Mirror sports reporter Keith Meadows, of Back Lane, Crawshawbooth, died on Monday.

He was 69.

The father-of-one has been a well-known figure in the village for more than 20 years.

He was Father of the Chapel of the National Union of Journalists when Robert Maxwell closed down the Mirror’s northern operation.

His son Mark is a European sports correspondent for Reuters, in London.

Paul Harrison, landlord of The Black Dog, in Burnley Road, in Crawshawbooth, said: “Keith was a lovely person who will be sadly missed.

“He would often visit the pub with his little dog Nipper shortly before closing time.

“He ran a special football competition called Goal Chase at the pub and it was very clear to see he had a clear passion for the sport.

“Everybody knew he was a respected reporter as he had lived in the village for at least 20 years if not more.”

Alan Simpson, deputy editor of the Lancashire Telegraph, said: “I first knew Keith in the Press Room at Turf Moor and Ewood Park more than 25 years ago.

“He was a most inquisitive journalist who used to push and push to get the best angle to a breaking story.

“He was more than often the last person to leave the ground after rewriting his stories for the various editions of the Mirror.

“I later worked alongside him in Manchester and found him to be a most endearing colleague who would spend any amount of time to give guidance and help to other members of the sports desk.”

A non-religious service will be held at Fred Hamer’s Funeral Home, James Street, Rawtenstall, on Friday, August 26, at 1pm.

He will be laid to rest afterwards at Rawtenstall cemetery.

A celebration of his life will then take place at his local The Black Dog, from 2pm.

Family flowers have been requested only with donations to MacMillan Cancer Support or Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.