George Embley, a sports writer for the Nelson Leader and Colne Times, has died.

George suffered horrific injuries in an accident in April, but made a determined effort to regain full fitness and return to the job he loved.

However, complications set in late last month and George lost his battle for life after another spell in the intensive care unit at Burnley General Hospital.

A diabetic, George suffered a blackout which led to a fall down the stairs of his home, just a few weeks after his 50th birthday.

George worked for the Leader and Times for more than 30 years, spending 25 years based in the papers’ Nelson offices, before joining a group sports desk at the Burnley office, and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of every sport played regularly in the area.

Paying tribute to George, former colleague Edward Lee said: “George will always be best remembered for the care and dedication he employed in ensuring the columns of the newspaper always featured the most comprehensive sports coverage available.”

Nelson Cricket Club chairman Milton Lord also paid tribute to George.

He said: “He was a totally unbiased sports journalist, who reported what he saw at both football and cricket matches.

“He was extremely knowledgeable. Before signing a pro or any future signings, we would have a quiet word with him and seek his opinion. And we always made sure we gave him the news first – even on those occasions when the national newspapers were wanting a story.

“He is a great loss to the local sports scene and we offer our condolences to his family.”

Colne Cricket Club chairman Ray Kitchen added: “He was a genuine sporting all-rounder, a true gentleman and a great ambassador to local sport.”

George leaves a wife of 18 years, Carol, and step-sons, James and Stephen.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]