Brian's interest in taxidermy can be traced to his childhood at Wiswell Eaves Farm. While working on the family farm, Brian first used a shotgun and developed a passion for wildlife and nature.

And it was after taking a fox to a taxidermist in Carnforth, and being amazed by the end product, that Brian's interest in this rare art evolved and he took it up as a hobby.

After attending Wiswell Primary School and Ribblesdale Secondary Modern School and then working on the family farm, Brian, aged 18, served with the Army for two years before becoming a lorry driver on his return to the Ribble Valley.

However, Brian decided to become a full-time self-employed taxidermist in the late 1970s and his son Brett recalled: "It was an unusual, but very interesting upbringing," his son Brett recalled.

A committed conservationist, Brian's knowledge of the animals he worked with was extensive. "He could name all the birds by hearing their song and knew more about wildlife and flowers than anyone I've ever met," added Brett.

Brian's skill was recognised by the Guild of Taxidermists through which he won the Guild's annual general meeting competition for his fox entry.



Brian also enjoyed showing his work at game fairs and passed on his knowledge through taxidermy demonstrations to local Young Farmers' Clubs and Women's Institutes.

A regular sight with his terrier dogs around the local countryside, Brian, who also enjoyed deer stalking and fishing, was a well-known character in the local farming and gamekeeping communities.

Following a service at Accrington Crematorium at 2-20 p.m. tomorrow, mourners are invited to the Buck Inn, Grindleton.