ONE of Ribchester's best known characters, Jim Ridge, who was for many years the curator of the village's Roman Museum, has died.

The former teacher, who once worked at Broughton High School, lived close to the museum and the back garden of his cottage provided an ideal site for an archeological dig from where he discussed a number of Roman artefacts, including Nene pottery.

Jim's funeral will be held at St Wilfrid's Church on Friday at 11.15am, followed by committal at Preston Crematorium at 12.30pm.