MOURNERS filled Blackburn Cathedral to bid a final farewell to broadcaster Keith Macklin.

The 78-year-old grandfather of two, whose career in newspapers, television and radio spanned more than 50 years, was described as “a broadcast legend, unique character and true gentleman”.

Keith’s own well-loved voiced filled the cathedral during the service, as a compilation of his broadcasts was played, concluding with the message: “I thoroughly enjoyed my broad-casting career and if I could go back and begin it all again I would.”

Life-long friend Alan Jones told the congregation how he had met the Rainhill-born jounalist at school.

He said: “It was common for the boys to sell their books at the end of the year and that is how I met Keith, when I sold him my Latin text book.

“It was the start of a 65 year friendship, though for years he maintained that I had grossly over charged him.

Describing their first holiday to Butlins in 1948, he said: “For those of you who are wondering, yes he did wear his tie on the beach.”

He added: “I have lost one of my oldest friends.”

Canon Bill Weaver, a former colleague and friend, spoke of his “extraordinary legacy”. He said Keith was “the hardest working man I ever knew”, adding: “He said thank-you every day for a life that had proved to be so rich and rewarding.”

Keith’s career began as a ‘cub’ reporter on the Warrington Guardian in 1951.

He worked on Barrow’s Evening Mail before auditioning for the BBC in 1956.

He went on to work far and wide, in radio, TV and print, from commentating on crown green bowling, the 1974 football World Cup, and the 1972 Olympics.

In his autobiography A Two Horse Town, he chronicled tales from a fascinating half century in broadcasting.