TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘real Blackburn character’ who has died, aged 77.

Gordon Roocroft, who volunteered at the Lancashire Telegraph and was often seen at Blackburn Bus Station, has been described as a good man with a cracking sense of humour.

His sister Trish Livesey said: “He was a friend to everybody. He was a very loving person. He doted on my six grandchildren. He knew when their birthdays were and exactly how old they were. He always talked about them. He was a very keen family man.

"I will miss him and the whole family will miss him."

Born in Croston with learning difficulties Mr Roocroft spent his teenage years in Brockhall Hospital. He later moved to Accrington and worked for Accrington Brickworks.

After that he moved into the Blackburn Salvation Army where he remained for more than two decades, but he latterly resided in Kingsway Court assisted living accommodation. He died on Thursday after a short battle with sepsis.

Tributes have poured in from former colleagues and friends.

Lancashire Telegraph audience and content editor Roger Airey said: “Gordon was loved by everyone at the Telegraph. He would spend most days helping out with odd jobs around the place and soon made himself indispensable.

“He was friends with everyone in the building and would spend hours walking around chatting to everyone, putting smiles on peoples faces. He was friends with everyone from the people on reception to the editor and managing director. He was a real part of the Telegraph family and everyone will miss him greatly.”

Former Lancashire Telegraph deputy editor Alan Simpson said: “Gordon was a unique person. A very lovable character who shared no interest in material values. His values were more real and honest.

“He valued friendships. I had known him for 30 years and he always had a nickname for everyone in the building. I was Dingle because of my passion for the Clarets. And when Burnley got beat I knew who would be standing by my desk when I arrived at work to unmercifully remind me of the score.”

Paying tribute on behalf of everyone at the Blackburn Bus Company, duty manager Cllr Jim Smith said: “Gordon was a lovely man. He was always there to help people and had a fantastic sense of humour.

“He used to take the mick out of all the drivers. He used to come to the bus station every day. He was a character. He was a good man who will be sadly missed.”

Business editor Jason Kayley added: “Gordon was an absolute legend. He had a great sense of humour and always had a smile on his face. He loved the Lancashire Telegraph.”

Sue Haworth, who worked at the Lancashire Telegraph for around 30 years, said: “He always wanted to help people. He was known for having a nickname for everybody, irrespective of their status in the building.”

Mr Roocroft’s funeral will take place at St Michael’s And All Angels Church, Church Street, Croston, on Thursday at 1.30pm.