He died at a hospice near his home in Lytham St Annes on Sunday night, following a short illness.

BBC: Mr & Mrs gameshow host Derek Batey dies aged 84

But Williams, originally from Lytham St Annes, is keen to stress that reports of an imminent takeover are incorrect.

BBC: Investor confirms Blackburn talks

Scout leader and school governor Thomas Westall from Lytham St Annes becomes a MBE for services to children and young people.

BBC: John and Penelope Clough

Elaine Bertenshaw from Lytham St Annes who is a volunteer for Lancashire Constabulary was also appointed MBE for services to policing and the community as was Burnley's Emma Hamlen, a volunteer for the youth offending team, for services to young people in Lancashire and Jacqueline McGrew, chair of Whitebirk Residents' Association in Blackburn, for services to the community.

BBC: John and Penelope Clough

Her three-stroke triumph at Royal Lytham and St Annes in August made her the first Scottish woman to clinch victory in a major.

BBC: Scots golfer Matthew lands honour

Four-time major winner Mickelson got a late invitation to compete in the European Tour event to complete final preparations for Royal Lytham and St Annes next week.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS