A POPULAR army captain, musician and former teacher who was a familiar face in his home town has died aged 78.

Captain Arnold Duckworth, pictured, served as the president of the Darwen branch of the Royal British Legion for more than a decade.

Captain Duckworth was the son of a master blacksmith and educated at Bolton Road Methodist School and Darwen Grammar School, where he was a keen cricketer and gymnast.

He worked at Shaw's of Hoddlesden as a draughtsman for a short time before embarking on an Army career spanning 22 years which included postings to India, Gibraltar and Burma.

He married his late wife Renee in 1942 at his local church.

In the early 1960s he left the forces to help out with family commitments and became a music teacher until his retirement which included a spell at Norden High School, Rishton.

He was a talented musician and the organist at Highfield Congregational Church, Darwen, where he organised annual concerts.

His son Phil Duckworth and the rest of the family have paid tribute to the caring man who had a smile right until the end.

"He was an amazing man, a perfectionist who lived a full and worthwhile life," said Mr Duckworth. "He helped people whenever he could and was able to communicate with young and old. He was devoted to his family, especially his two granddaughters, Rachael and Hannah. His death has left a big hole in all our lives."

Roy Duxbury, the chairman of Darwen branch of the Royal British Legion, added: "He had been our president for about 14 years and will be sadly missed. He was our best collector and always did the exultation.

"I have known him since 1930 and he was a valued friend to many."

Captain Duckworth will be buried in his Legion uniform at Pleasington tomorrow following a service at Highfield Congregational Church at 11am.

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