A DARWEN man who gave 40 years of his life to local transport had died aged 80.

James Chadwick died at his daughter's house in Darwen on July 13.

Married in 1942 to Connie with four daughters, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, Mr Chadwick was a former member of the RAF and left at the end of the Second World War.

He began an apprenticeship with Darwen Transport and in 1963 he moved to Hyndburn Transport where he worked his way up to the position of manager where he stayed until 1981.

Barbara Brown, the only daughter still living in Darwen, said: "It is right that it was his final resting place.

"Unfortunately he died of cancer but at least it was quick. He was a very knowledgable man who read a lot of books. He will be sadly missed by us all."

He and Connie, who died 16 years ago, enjoyed their first trip abroad when they went to South Africa to visit their youngest daughter and family.

A crossword enthusiast, Mr Chadwick was well known around Darwen and Huncoat where he lived at Woodside Road from 1963.

He enjoyed socialising in his local the Griffins Head in Huncoat.