THE memory of a popular Darwen character will live on through a trust fund worth more than a quarter of a million pounds.

John (Jack) Leach, who died in December 1997 after developing leukaemia, left the legacy for good causes to benefit his beloved town.

The 87-year-old bachelor lived in the same house in Bank Street all his life, and was a regular at nearby St Peter's Church. He was a music lover and a keen long-distance walker.

Jack, who survived most of his family and who retired from ICI in Darwen in his 40s, particularly wanted to promote care of the elderly and educational achievement, to buy medical equipment and to improve the environment in parks and countryside in and around Darwen.

Trustees of the fund are ready to start distributing grants. John Jacklin, one of the trustees, said: "Jack was a quietly spoken gentleman who liked nothing more than a good chat. He was a real character who would give anybody the time of day."

Trustees chairman Peter Lamster added: "He had many friends whom he also remembered in his will. He lived quite a frugal life and was keen for his wealth to be used in a constructive way to benefit the people of Darwen. Since his death we have been administering the estate ready to launch the trust fund which will benefit people in Darwen for many years to come."

Applications to the John Leach Trust Fund should be made in writing c/o Peter Lamster, Watsons Solicitors, 33/37 Railway Road, Darwen, BB3 2RL. Each request will be judged on its merits by the trustees and poverty cases must be supported by a professional person.

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