FAMILY and friends are mourning the death of a popular Chorley man who died at the weekend.

Richard Riley, aged 46, of Charter Lane, Charnock Richard, died of cancer on Saturday after a short illness.

Richard joined Runshaw College in 1984 and was responsible for its higher education programme.

He was also instrumental in setting up Chorley Unemployed Group and was a strong supporter of Chorley Well Womens Centre.

He went on to become chairman of the Council for Voluntary Service and was a founder member and enthusiastic supporter of Chorley Film Society.

Richard was a long standing member of Chorley Labour Party and twice contested local elections in Clayton and Coppull and became a governor of Charnock Richard CE Primary School.

Colleague at Runshaw College, Lou Johnstone, said: "Richard Riley made a great impact on his adopted home, touching the lives of a large number of appreciative people who will never forget his warmth, humour and larger than life personality."

Richard leaves a wife Kath and two daughters Lorna, aged eight, and Sian seven.

The funeral will be held at Charnock Richard CE Church tomorrow (Friday) at noon.

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