A village personality, devoted husband and father has died of Covid-19, aged 74.

John Casey, from Whalley, died peacefully in hospital on March 5.

His son, Nick Casey said his father was the one he would turn to for advice.

He said: "John will be sadly missed by my Mum Joan after being married for 52 years he was her husband, her rock and her best friend.

"He will be missed by my brother Richard, not only as a father but they loved to talk about any aspects of motor racing.

"And as for me, he was my Dad but was always the one I’d turn to for advice about the shop he ran successfully for so many years."

As a young man, John took over the family business, Gilmartin’s Ironmongers in King Street, with his wife Joan helping out with the book-keeping, the shop becoming a hub for the community.

When John wasn’t working, he loved socialising over a drink and food with friends and family.

When he was younger, John was a huge motorsport fan and particularly loved Minis, a passion which he passed along to his son Richard.

John always played to win and this competitive streak saw John win many trophies for hillclimb and sprint races.

Husband to Joan for 52 years, John used to buy his wife flowers every fortnight.

He was father of Richard and Nick, father-in-law of Sarah and Annemarie, grandad of Rachael, Nicole and Zac and brother of Pat, Joseph and family.

John’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 17, when a private family service will be held at Accrington Crematorium.

John’s procession will pass through Whalley village at 11.10am to allow people to pay their respects.