THE funeral of a former Scoutmaster and member of Colne Swimming Club for 50 years will be held this week.

Albert Bird, 90, of Carleton Road, Colne, was well known in the town for his association with a wide range of local groups.

Mr Bird, who died on Friday at Pendle Community Hospital, Nelson, was born in Colne and lived in the town all his life. He attended Park School before spending most of his working life at a dye works in Nelson.

In 1967 the works closed and Mr Bird went to work at Carrington Viyella, Barrowford, as a textile salesman until he retired.

He was Scoutmaster for the 1st Mayor's Own, Colne, group and a member of the town's swimming club for half a century. He was the club's treasurer and president for many years.

Mr Bird was also a past president of the town's Probus Club and president of the Naturalist Society as well as a keen photographer and a member of the golf club.

His funeral will be held at 11am on Friday at Skipton Crematorium. He leaves a son, Brian.

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