THE Blackpool tourist industry is this week mourning the death of one of its most determined and innovative leaders, Pleasure Beach supremo, Geoffrey Thompson OBE DL.

Mr Thompson, the park's managing director for 27 years, was taken ill at a family function in the Paradise Room on Saturday night. He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8.20pm.

A Pleasure Beach spokesman said: "Geoffrey Thompson's life was dedicated to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and under his leadership, it has become the greatest tourist attraction in Europe.

"Blackpool Pleasure Beach will continue welcoming visitors as normal, as he would have wanted."

Tributes have also been paid to Mr Thompson from across the local community.

David Coupe, chairman of The Grand Theatre, said: "Geoffrey was passionate about theatre. His inspired leadership enabled the trust to purchase the Grand Theatre in 1981.

"As chairman for the next 11 years his knowledge, influence and experience kept the theatre in business and laid the foundations for its present success. All of us at The Grand are devastated by his untimely death."

Chairman of the new Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, Anthony Goldstone, said: "The tourism industry has suffered a great loss with the sad death of Geoffrey Thompson. He was a pioneer in the field of family entertainment and a major contributor to Blackpool's success, keeping the town at the forefront of national tourism.

"On a personal level Geoffrey was a very kind person who brought enjoyment to countless visitors to the Pleasure Beach. Thanks to his achievements Blackpool is well placed to continue to grow as a major centre for tourists and can look forward to a bright future."

Blackpool councillors will be asked to pay their respects to Mr Thompson at a meeting of the full council next Wednesday.

Mr Thompson will be succeeded as managing director by his daughter, Amanda, who currently runs Stageworks International Productions. His son, Nicholas, will be deputy managing director.

One of Mr Thompson's achievements was the creation of the Big Blue Hotel, which he envisaged as the first of several around the Pleasure Beach.

Just days after the death of its managing director, news emerged that the Big Blue Hotel was to be expanded.

The Pleasure Beach has applied for permissiong to build a one storey extension to the hotel restaurant and a four storey extension, with 40 more rooms.