AN ENTREPRENEUR known as Mr Bingo has died -- breaking the heart of the woman who loved him for a lifetime.

Fred Skinner brought a host of stars to East Lancashire to perform at his Martholme Grange nightclub in Altham, before opening a string of bingo halls.

His stable included the Empire, in Blackburn Road, Accrington, the Palace, in Nelson and the Empress, in Burnley.

Mr Skinner died last Tuesday at the age of 79 in Blackburn Royal Infirmary where he had been receiving treatment for a burst ulcer.

He was born in Blackburn but also lived in Willows Lane, Accrington, at one stage.

For the last few years of his life he lived with Marion Mercer, whom he was close to for three years more than half a century ago.

Mrs Mercer, 71, lives in the Roe Lee Park area of Blackburn. She said: "I have known Fred for 55 years.

"When we were younger Fred liked the night life and I was a home bird and it was an on and off relationship."

Fred never married and four years ago he went to live with Marion, who, by that time, was widowed.

She said: "I aid to him when you are 80 we will have a big party and we will get married. That would have been in May next year. I have his ring on but it looks like it's not meant to be.

"Without a doubt he was the love of my life. I have loved Fred since I was 16.

"I thought he was indestructible. He was a wonderful man, very generous to charities. He was my world. I would go through fire for Fred. I don't know what I'm going to do without him, it's just flattened me."

Close friend Marcus Prestage, 29, of Malvern Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, said: "Fred has been like a grandad to me. He has been my backbone and made me who I am.

"Me and Fred have been on the QE2 70 times together and we were very close. He brought my dad up from being a youngster and we are all devastated."

Fred was born on May 10, 1924. He started his empire with dance nights at the Church Conservative Club, later opening the Victoria Ballroom, in Clayton-le-Moors. In May 1972, singer David Whitfield topped the bill on the opening night of Martholme Grange.

As a young man Fred played bass with the Salvation Army band in Blackburn. Over the years his businesses included the Towngate Club, in Great Harwood, and the Grand Cinema, also in Great Harwood, and the Grand Bingo Club, in Padiham.

At his funeral yesterday at Accrington Crematorium, Major Rainer Nadler said Mr Skinner had enjoyed 70 cruises on the QE2.

"If we look at his life we can see what is possible if you set yourself a goal," he said.

Bernard Ashworth was Mr Skinner's area manager and friend. He said: "I worked for him for 47 years.

"He was a friend rather than a boss. We used to go out drinking then go to work. He used to go to hospitals at Christmas time and give everyone presents. He was a character and they are few and far between these days."