Tributes have poured in for a 'charming community stalwart' and family man, who sadly died last week.

Shadsworth shopkeeper, Tom Hall, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 8, after serving at the heart of his community for almost 50 years.

The 84-year-old will be remembered for being the face of Tom's newsagents on Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, where he worked alongside wife, Joan, who died two and a half years ago.

His daughter-in-law, Susan Hall, who now runs the shop with her husband, Mr Hall's son, Jason, said he will be missed by everyone in Shadsworth.

Mrs Hall said: "We were lucky to have Tom in our lives.

"He was such an interesting person, who lived a wonderful life, and was well known and respected in the community."

A keen footballer, Mr Hall had trials for Manchester City in his younger days, but being the first member of his family to go to university, his parents made him pursue engineering, which led to him working on the trains.

This later took him to Peru where he spent seven years in charge of the derailments and enjoyed playing football with local Peruvian teams.

Mrs Hall added: "He was such a charmer. He had a lot of time for everyone and we've been so overwhelmed with the amount of people who've contacted us after his death.

"He was loved by so many."

Posting in the Facebook group, Shads Chefs, admins of the group said: "We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Hall family after the passing of long standing Shadsworth resident and community stalwart, Tom Hall.

"Tom and his family have been at the centre of the Shadsworth Community for almost 50 years.

"Many of you will know Tom and his family and will have no doubt have shopped at their newsagents on Shadsworth Road.

"Tom was always our friendly, chatty local shopkeeper.

"If you were in need, he would help you out like all good community men do."

Mr Hall's funeral will be held at Pleasington Crematorium on Monday June 17.

All are welcome to attend to pay their last respects, and his family have asked mourners to come wearing bright colours.

Mr Hall's family have also requested that instead of flowers, people make a donation towards purchasing a defibrillator, which will be kept in Tom's shop on Shadsworth Road.

To donate please visit www.paypal.me/ShadChefs