Tributes have poured in for Peter Barcroft of Bacup, who died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on February 20 at the age of 63.

Peter was a beloved husband to Kay, a dear dad to Adam and father-in-law to Louise, and a loving grandad to Hannah and Daniel. He was also a dear brother and a friend to many.

Born and raised in Bacup, Peter worked for footwear company Jay Bill, before he was hired as a pattern cutter by Bacup Shoe Direct, and later by Feniger and Blackburn.

After retiring, he could often be found at Rawtenstall Market helping his wife Kay run her business, Kay’s Celebration Cakes & Kitchenalia. Although he wasn't involved in the baking, he loved to chat with the customers and was always joking around.

Rawtenstall Market shoppers and traders have taken to social media to pay tribute to "a lovely gentle man."

As a musician, Peter also played in bands his whole life. He was most recently a member of the Irish music band Whiskey Chorus, who played all over East Lancashire in the pubs of Blackburn and Clitheroe and featured on Radio Lancashire. The group also played at weddings, charity events and celebrations including comedian Jim Bowen's 65th birthday party.  

He liked to read autobiographies, and loved playing games with his grandchildren.

Kay paid tribute to her husband, saying: “He loved a laugh and a joke, he loved to talk."

She added: "Think of Peter and remember him with a smile.”