I LEARNED with deep sorrow of the death last week of Mr Edgar Pickering (LET, November 8).

Edgar had been a prominent Blackburnian for many years. He was the last surviving member of a group of three entrepreneurs who helped to save the industrial future of Blackburn when the textile industry faced collapse.

Along with the late Dr Stanley Shorrock and Dr Brian Mercer, he assisted in transforming Blackburn from a leader in the ailing textile industry into a successful mixed economy, including electronics, light engineering and tufted carpets.

These three men contributed greatly to the development of Blackburn into the modern industrial and commercial town that it now is.

They did this largely in partnership with the local authority, establishing vital new relationships that had never existed in the past. This resulted in many more jobs and skills for East Lancashire men and women.

It can truly be said that they were the industrial leaders of their time. We should be extremely grateful to them for the foundations that they laid.

As if that was not enough, Edgar also played a leading part in the rejuvenation of Blackburn Rovers, bringing in Jack Walker.

Politically, he was president of the Blackburn Conservative Association, but he got on well with people of all political persuasions. At the time, I was leader of the town council and worked very closely with him. He was well respected by the Labour council and MPs.

Along with other leaders in industry, commerce and sport in Blackburn, I, too, recognised a great man. Long may he be remembered for his outstanding contribution to his native town. We in Blackburn send our deep condolences to his wife, Kathleen, and to his son and daughter.

LORD TAYLOR OF BLACKBURN, House of Lords, Westminster, London SW1.