TRIBUTES are being paid to a much-loved broadcaster who has passed away at the age of 78 after a long illness.

Keith Macklin, who grew up in Rainhill and attended Prescot Grammar School, had a career in newspapers, TV and radio that spanned more than fifty years.

His career began in 1956 when he was asked to commentate on a rugby league game between Leeds and Oldham for the BBC.

He went on to work far and wide - in radio, and TV displaying versatility by commentating on crown green bowling, showjumping, the football World Cup in 1974, and rugby league, which had a deep passion for.

He even presented Songs of Praise and Pot Black on TV - but he headed back to radio in 1982 to be the first ever programme director at rock fm and magic 999 - known back then as red rose radio.

This led onto more commentary opportunities as he switched seamlessly from rugby, to football, to crown green bowling, snooker and showjumping.

Colleagues say it is his enduring association with Red Rose Radio, now Rock FM, that most will remember him for.

He was the first ever programme director at the station.

But he soon moved back to his sporting roots and, in the words of his colleagues at the station, established himself as "the voice of authority on sport in Lancashire".

In 2007 he released his autobiography - A Two Horse Town - detailing his half century of experiences in broadcasting.

His funeral will be held on Friday at Blackburn Cathedral.