FRIENDS and colleagues from the entertainment, tourism and media industry packed Carleton Crematorium on December 18 to bid a fond farewell to showbusiness consultant and Blackpool institution Brian Crompton.

Brian, who was 56, died of a massive heart attack at his home in Anchorsholme.

The Rev Joe Daly conducted the service in which Blackpool Council's tourism manager Katherine O'Connor paid a personal and professional tribute to Brian.

She said: "I have known Brian for a very long time and he was a wonderful friend. He also had a wealth of local knowledge and was always a wonderful counsellor offering impartial advice to anyone who asked. Brian always welcomed all his friends and acquaintances with a cheery wave. He will be sorely missed."

Singer Beryl Johnson sang Gracie Field's At The End Of The Day accompanied by Brian's business partner organist Kevin Grunhill. Friends and relations then continued the tributes at Blackpool's Kimberley Hotel.

Brian was formerly the archivist and press consultant for the First Leisure Corporation which encompassed the Tower, the Winter Gardens and the Piers and continued in this role with Leisure Parcs until September. He was currently pursuing personal projects in the area.