A NORMANDY landings veteran from Bacup has died aged 83.

Peter Cooke, of Ramsay Street, Bacup, died peacefully in Burnley General Hospital.

He was a signalman on HMS Rodney and then spent time on the HMS Ascania off Juno Beach when the Normandy landings took place in 1944.

On one of his leaves, he married Mona after first sending a telegram saying Home Friday, married Saturday, if possible."

Peter returned to the Normandy beaches during the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the landings. He and other veterans that day were presented with a commemorative award from the French Government in appreciation for their efforts during the liberation of France.

The self-employed joiner spent most of his life in Bacup, but travelled widely, worked for 11 years building some of Chicago's tallest buildings, and in Saudi Arabia, building roads.

Peter, Mona and their daughter Patricia, emigrated to America in 1959 where he worked on the skyscrapers Marina City, Shoreline Towers, and the Sears Building.

Patricia said: "At one time he was just seconds from becoming a casualty in a tragic lift shaft accident. Several of his workmates lost their lives. He had been one of the lucky ones but it was too close for comfort. He never worked on skyscrapers again."

The family returned to Bacup in 1970, where Peter ran newsagents on Newchurch Road and Todmorden Road.

He later helped build road culverts in the Saudi Arabian desert. Patricia added: "He had an active social life. With his clubs and activities with the Royal Ensign, The Veterans Association and the Foresters he was kept busy most of the time."

Peter was buried in Bacup cemetery on October 11. Fellow veterans Jack Saunders, Lawrence Bennet and Jack Short gave him a guard of honour.

Peter, who died on October 4, leaves daughter Patricia, son-in-law Mazen, grandchildren Rabin, Mira and Karim and great grandchildren, Connor and Lily.