TRIBUTE has been paid to well-known Blackburn man George Eastwood, who has died aged 76.

Mr Eastwood was known locally for his involvement with several organisations.

During the Second World War, Mr Eastwood served with the Royal Ordnance Corps, including four years' service in India.

After leaving the forces, he joined social services in Blackburn, where he was involved in public relations. He later moved to social services in Bolton and Manchester and worked with the Citizens' Advice Bureau for 25 years.

He was a Church of England lay reader for 55 years at St Gabriel's Church, Blackburn, and other churches. He also held the position of senior reader. Mr Eastwood was a member of the North West of England War Pensions Committee, where he represented the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Families Association, now known as SSAFA Forces Help.

He was involved with SSAFA for nearly 47 years and had held the posts of branch treasurer and divisional secretary.

He was awarded the MBE in 1987 for his work with the organisation.

He also spent 12 years in charge of St Chad's Mission, Blackburn.

Ken Miller of the Lancashire branch of SSAFA Forces Help said: "He was a great character and had done a tremendous amount of work for us and for the church, the CAB and the War Pensions Committee. He will be very greatly missed."

Mr Eastwood leaves his wife, Sheila, a son, David, daughter Elizabeth and three grandchildren, Jonathan, Simon and Benjamin.

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