A FOURTH generation pharmacist has died after a three-month illness.

Alan Pickup, 62, of Old Field Avenue, Darwen, is succeeded in the profession by his son Richard, 31, who is a pharmacist in a Sheffield chemist. Alan died last Saturday in Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

His family ran a chemists in Bank Top, Blackburn, from the late 1800s to the 1960s. This was started by Alan's great-grandfather William, then grandfather Ralph and dad Leo.

Alan studied at Stonyhurst College then at university in Leicester to follow in their footsteps.

But on completing his studies 41 years ago, he went to Boots in Manchester, before working in chemists around Blackburn.

He had been at Moss Chemists, Accrington Road, Blackburn, for 17 years.

His wife of 32 years, Maureen, said: "He devoted his life to his work."

The couple have another son, Andrew, 30.