TRIBUTES have been paid to a former butchers who has died - just under a year after he retired.

Nigel Easton served generations of customers at Easton’s Butchers in Whalley New Road, alongside his wife Denise but he decided to hang up his butchers cleaver in 2018.

The Burnley FC fan died at his home in Whalley on Monday.

Daughter Sallie said: “Everyone in the Brownhill area knew of him and he was very friendly, always making a joke about different situations with his quips.

“A lot of people have been in touch with messages that he was so kind and had such a great impact on people’s lives.

“He was very caring and he was big part of the local community.

“He always had his skills and loved meeting new people and was always there for a chat.

“There have been a lot of his suppliers who have been in touch too.”

The 60-year-old went to St Peter and St Pauls Primary in Rishton and then went to Norden before taking up an apprenticeship as a butcher at Blackburn Market then went onto owning the shop in Brownhill.

Nigel has two daughters Sallie and Stefanie and a 10 month old grand-daughter Esme and had spent the past year spending time with his family.

Sallie, 29, added: “He meant the world to his family and we are going to miss him.

“He had lots of friends and loved playing squash with Blackburn Northern.

“He also played football for The Lord Nelson pub and he was a massive Burnley fan.

“He spent a lot of time with me and my daughter and looking after her.

“He went on a few holidays together and they had a lot more planned.

“He was still doing a little bit of work here and there by ordering some sausages and meat for some of his old customers.

“It was just how he was as a person being so friendly and helping.

“We have had a lot of people getting in contact with us and we want to say thanks to everyone for getting in touch and their kind messages have been a little support for the family.”

Nigel would have been celebrating his 61st birthday on Friday.

Funeral arrangements have not been confirmed so for more information contact Champs Funeral Services in Clayton-le-Moors.