There was sad news for an ex-pat visiting from Down Under who went looking for an old friend.

He went around their favourite Accrington haunts, but found out his friend had died the previous day.

Frank McGeown, who moved to Australia in 1988, wanted to meet up with former work colleague and friend of nearly 40 years, Clifford Simpson.

Mr Simpson, of Burnley Road, Accrington, died on October 24, aged 87.

He had met Mr McGeown, who was 27 years his junior, when the two worked together at Asda in the early 1970s, where Mr Simpson was warehouse man, and struck up a firm friendship.

Frank, who visits Hyndburn every couple of years to visit family, was unable to stay for the funeral, but wanted to pay his own tribute.

He said: "Just a couple of weeks ago on a visit from Australia I went looking for my old mate Clifford Simpson in the Canine and Brooks clubs and the Queens pub but strangely he had not turned up that day.

"I later was told that Cliff had passed away the previous day so sadly I missed joining him for a few beers as we always did when I was in town.

"Normally when I would go back to Accrington I would meet up with Clifford for a few beers in one of the local clubs for a chat and lots of reminiscing about old times.

"I last had a beer with Cliff in 2008 and sadly just missed him this time."

Frank, formerly of Burnley Road, now works in Sydney as a shipping manager for a medical company, and is accompanied by his wife Margaret every second trip to the UK.

He added: "Clifford made a lasting impression on me as a very intelligent and talented individual with an amazing sense of humour.

"Cliff was a big hearted and generous person – even though to some he would come across as a bit stern – but that was just one of the many aspects of Cliff’s unique and interesting personality.

"Cliff always joined his younger work mates in the pub after work and provided us with the type of entertainment you couldn’t pay money for.

"He would have us in stitches with his stories, sharp wit and dry humour.

"We often said he missed his way and should have been on stage.

"He would look me in the eye with the classic comment ‘You can’t do too much for a good boss’.

"Another one of his favourites was ‘there’s nowt wrong with right folk!

"I learned a lot from Cliff’s wisdom and skills which helped me in my career and I am indebted to him for the experience, knowledge and pleasure I gained from working and socialising with him.

"He was a rare and much-loved character."