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Former journalist who had 30-year career dies at 66

A former journalist who worked in local newspapers for 30 years until illness forced him to leave has died at the age of 66.

Ralph Marshall, left, began his career as a cub reporter on the Colne Times and went on to run the news desks at the Evening Star, which later became the Lancashire Telegraph, in Burnley and Blackburn.

His 30-year career was cut short when he lost his natural voice because of throat cancer, which he recovered from, but was “devastated” to lose the career he loved.

Ralph, who had been ill for many years and had a heart condition, was found dead at his home last week.

He grew up in Nelson and from his earliest days at secondary school, worked towards being a journalist, attending college to achieve his aims.

Ralph was known as an intensely private and independent man with a dry sense of humour.

He was passionate about both local and national politics loved sport, especially boxing and Grand Prix racing.

Ralph’s funeral will take place at Burnley Crematorium at 3.40pm on 21 December.