TRIBUTES have been paid to the founder of a well-known town centre opticians, who has died aged 89.

Norman Clough, founder of Clough's Opticians in Newport Street, was described as innovative and inspirational by his family.

Mr Clough was born on January 26, 1925, and following stints in engineering and the Army, he qualified as an optician and began his career at the Co-op.

He established Clough's Opticians in Blackburn Road in 1951, aged 26, before moving it to its current location in 1968.

Mr Clough’s three sons Christopher, Martin and Stewart, all trained in optometry and took over the practice when their father retired in the mid 1990s.

He married Doreen at Ulleswater Street Methodist Church on April 14, 1954, and the couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last year.

When they were not at their home in Sharples, the couple lived in a flat in Lytham St Annes.

Mr Clough died from pneumonia on January 9 at the New Thursby Nursing Home in Lytham St Annes, surrounded by his close family.

One of his last wishes was that his funeral procession would go up Newport Street, past his practice.

His son Stewart, aged 51, said: "Dad was always an innovator and he applied American style customer service and modern shop fittings in his practice before anyone else in the area.

"His constant innovation and his high standards kept him ahead of the game and he enjoyed the benefits of it.

"He was an inspirational man and he had a great presence — people always listened to him.

"He was patient, humorous, very friendly and personable, and he had time for anybody.

"His friends, family and colleagues will miss him immensely."

Mr Clough created a legacy in the UK and overseas . His sons Martin and Christopher still oversee the running of his practice in Newport Street, while Stewart has opened an eye clinic in San Jose, Costa Rica, and is looking at opening another clinic in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, alongside brother Christopher.

Christopher, aged 46, said: "When my father died, I thought what an amazing life he's had.

"He was very generous — he didn't deny us anything. He was a great man and a real man's man — he didn't cry or worry. He was very stoic and he was strong.

"He never gave up — that never entered his mind, which is why he was so successful. He was the perfect template of a man with value."

Mr Clough leaves wife Doreen and sons Christopher, Martin and Stewart.

His funeral took place on Wednesday, January 21, at Overdale Crematorium.