A WELL-known photographer and humanist minister - renowned as a champion of Burnley’s past and present - has died at the age of 87.

Tributes have been paid to Hayward Lynn Millard, a founder member of Burnley Civic Trust and staunch supporter of the National Secular Society, who through his work knew virtually every minister in the borough at one time.

Known to everyone as Lynn, he ran his own photographic studio in Manchester Road and worked for several years for the Burnley Evening Star, a sister title to the Lancashire Telegraph.

His youngest son Mark said: “He was very much a Burnley man - he was founding member of the civic trust and very proud of the area.

“He never moved away because he had so many friends. He was also involved with the historical society and he joined Probus when he retired.”

The former Todmorden Road Primary pupil initially became a police constable, after completing his National Service, before he acquired his first shop in Nairne Street.

Quickly his name became known as a skilled commercial and press photographer, with a steady stream of wedding assignments and work for the Grocer’s Gazette, alongside his Evening Star shifts.

His wife Muriel died 12 years ago but the Rosehill great-grandfather leaves, alongside Mark, sons Mark and Nigel.

Lynn conducted a number of humanist funeral services down the years, but still retained a keen interest in other faiths.

Mark said that while sorting through his father’s library, he came across a number of books on the major world religions.

“He has led a very, very full and active life and enjoyed good health right up until the end. He passed away at home and that is what he would have wanted,” he added.

The funeral service for Lynn, arranged by Alderson and Horan, will be at Burnley Crematorium on Wednesday (Oct30) from 1.40pm, with donations being requested in aid of Pendleside Hospice.