TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Burnley pharmacist who spent his life serving the people of the town.

Alec Jackson Taylor, a lay preacher at St Stephen's Church, Oxford Road, Burnley, died last week at the age of 91.

His funeral was held at the church on Friday where family and friends came together to celebrate his life.

Well know for running two pharmacies in Oxford Street and Lyndhurst Road, Alec was also known in Burnley for being a dedicated church man and member of the Masons.

His wife, Deryn, died five years ago after battling with cancer, which his daughter, Jennifer, 50, who works at Burnley Fire Station, said he found hard to come to terms with.

The couple, who lived in Cliviger, suffered a major tragedy when their solicitor son Greg Taylor was brutally murdered in 0ctober 1983.

Following his death Alec and Deryn moved to Stroyan Street, Burnley, before Alec went to work as chief pharmacist at Brockhall Hospital, Blackburn.

He spent the latter part of his life living at Chapel Lodge Rest Home for the Elderly, Old Hall Square, Worsthorne.

Jennifer said: "We have had some sad times in our family but at least now dad can be with mum and Greg.

"He will be best remembered for being a little man with a big voice. His voice commanded so much respect.

"He could quieten a room just by speaking. People couldn't believe he was so old when he spoke on the phone because of his voice.

"He was a church man who will be sadly missed."

Alec leaves his daughter Jennifer, Ben, 21, and sister-in-law Susan, 52. Donations have been made to Pendleside Hospice in Alec's memory.