A devoted wife has paid tribute to a college worker who lost his battle with lung cancer just 10 days after they married.

Robert Priestley, known as Duncan, married his partner of seven years Joan at a special hospice ceremony before his death aged 59.

Duncan, who worked as an audio visual technician at Accrington and Rossendale College for 15 years, was given a special licence to marry surrounded by family at Pendleside Hospice after bringing the wedding forward by four weeks.

He died on Thursday, August 15 with Joan at his side.

Joan, who works as a finance assistant at the college, said the couple had been together ever since they met at a staff Christmas party she had organised.

She said: “He loved his job, he was the office joker.

“He was the one who’d send apprentices for a ‘long stand’. He organised a conker tournament in his department as well.

“He was a very patient, loyal and loving person – he never lost his temper – he had the most hearty laugh ever.

“He just really loved life. He was very caring and he nursed me through breast cancer two years ago.” Duncan, of Hud Hey Road, Haslingden, had worked as an audio visual technician since leaving school, working at Burnley College for 25 years before moving to Accrington and Rossendale College.

He was still employed with the college up to his death but had been off ill following his diagnosis in April.

Sue Taylor, from the college, added her tribute to Duncan, who had worked there since 1998.

She said: “Duncan was a hard-working, fun loving colleague; a real character both in and out of the workshop.

“He always had a smile on his face and a spring in his step and many of us considered him a friend. Duncan was also a keen scuba diver and dived all over the British Isles including around the Orkney and Farne Islands.

He also enjoyed caravanning, particularly in Northumberland, and hiking with Joan and his beloved dog Oscar.

He leaves sons Adam and Christopher, stepson Kevin and grandson Joseph, 10, to whom he acted as a father. He also leaves brothers Graham and David and sister Lesley and their families. The funeral is on Friday, August 23 with a service at St James Parish Church Haslingden at 2.15pm followed by cremation at Accrington Crematorium.