A funeral service for Mr Paul Brown, Manager of Fleetwood’s Traditional Market, was held at St Peter’s church, Scorton on Thursday last.

Aged 58, he had been suffering from cancer but died peacefully at the family home in Scorton. The service was followed by cremation at Morecambe.

Born in Bradford, Mr Brown moved to Scorton with his family more than 25 years ago, after his work brought him to Lancashire.He was an active member of the local community.

He joined Wyre Borough Council 15 years ago to run the market at Fleetwood - one of the best known in the north west. Previously he was at Bradford Markets.

Under his leadership it flourished as a successful operation which attracts tourists from across the region and caters for local residents, too. Always on the lookout for new ideas, he raised the profile of the operation by bringing in Continental Markets and a Pot Fair in neighbouring streets.

Mr Brown was liked and respected by the traders at Fleetwood and many attended his funeral..

Mr Arthur Ellis has had a stall on Fleetwood market for 45 years.

He said: “ I first met Paul years ago when he was manager of Morecambe Market. He has been an absolute credit to Fleetwood Market. He was always prepared to listen to anyone - he was very good with people and he had a great sense of humour. He will be sorely missed.”

In leisure time, Paul was an expert gardener. Skills he learned as a boy on allotments near his home blossomed in his garden at Scorton. He grew vegetables and was a national judge in gardening competitions and gave talks on the subject.

A keen crown green bowler, Paul represented Scorton in teams in the Woodplumpton and Over Wyre leagues.

Paul is survived by his mother, Mrs Irene Brown, his wife, Mrs Nora Brown, his sons Robert and Simon and two grand daughters.

Sharon Rawlinson, Head of Economic development at Wyre, paid tribute to Mr Brown.

She said: She said: “ Paul was a true gentleman - a very proud family man. He was also committed to making Fleetwood market the best. He always had a smile and a joke and will be missed by all who knew him.”

Rather than flowers, the Brown family asked for donations to the Rosemere Cancer Foundation at Royal Preston Hospital which treats patients from the Fylde or to St John’s Hospice at Lancaster. These may be made via the funeral directors L Stewart Diamond and Son Ltd of Bridge Street, Garstang.

NABMA extends its sincerest condolences to the family and places on record its recognition for the significant role that Paul Brown played in supporting and championing the markets industry. It also sincerely thanks Neil Willitts, Estates Manager with Wyre BC for providing this press release and information.