THE FORMER landlord of a popular Waterfoot pub has died unexpectedly at the age of 68.

Harry Rishworth's family today paid tribute to the father and grandfather after he was discovered by his daughter at his home in Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, on Friday.

The family are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination to establish how he died.

Harry will best be remembered for his 10-year stint behind the bar at the Duke of Buccleuch in Bacup Road during the 70s and 80s.

A well known face throughout the Valley and in Waterfoot's pubs and clubs, his family say that Harry will be remembered for his passion for life and his up-beat spirit.

Harry moved from his home town of Skipton in 1979, where he worked at Barnoldswick's Rolls-Royce plant building aeroplane engines, to take over the helm at the Waterfoot pub.

He remained there until 1989 before taking early retirement.

Gordon Chapman, a regular at the Duke of Buccleuch, when Harry was landlord, said: "He was a cracking landlord who was extremely popular in Waterfoot. Everybody knew Harry. His death is a great shame." His daughter, Pamela Gallagher, who lives in Bolton, said: "He was really popular with all the locals despite him coming from out of town. He really made Rossendale his home and decided to retire to Waterfoot.

"My sister Helen was at his house the night before he died and she went again the next morning and found him. It's been very sad for the whole family. We don't know how he died but that is to be established by the coroner."

Harry also leaves daughter Helen Tracey, of Rawtenstall, and four grandchildren.

An inquest into Harry's death will be opened by Richard Taylor, East Lancashire coroner, on Thursday.

The funeral is being held at St Anne's Church, Edgeside on Friday at 1.30pm before a service at Burnley Crematorium at 2.30pm.

Family and friends are being invited to a wake at Harry's local, Waterfoot Working Men's Club.