A HORSE-DRAWN hearse was a fitting final carriage for a man who had a life-long interest in horses.

Brian Farran died aged 63 after a battle with lung cancer.

As a young man he travelled the country working on fairgrounds but settled down in his native Blackburn when married his wife Irene.

The couple had twin daughters Jean and Jacqueline who Mr Farran raised almost single-handedly after their mum died when they were 12.

Mr Farran worked as a fork lift truck driver at Thwaites in Blackburn for more than 20 years until he took early retirement about eight years ago.

He and his family had always kept and shown horses and Mr Farran was always on hand to help out at various local riding club shows.

He was also a regular at his local Toll Bar and Fountain pubs where he has a great many friends.

Mr Farran leaves his daughters, who live in Blackburn and grandson Brian.

His service took place at Pleasington Cemetery.