AN RAF gunner from Blackburn who was shot down in his Lancaster Bomber in the Second World War has died, aged 90.

Russell Margerison, of Lower Wilworth, took part in 20 bombing raids over Germany during the 1939 to 1945 conflict and went on to write a book about it.

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He died earlier this month after a seven-year battle with prostate cancer and left behind sons Stephen, Russell and Dale, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Mr Margerison’s wife, Betty, passed away six years ago and the pair had another son, Colin, who has also died.

Son Dale said: “Dad was an inspiration really. He was extremely fit and would still walk six miles on a Monday up until three months ago.

“He was a big family man. Keeping the family together was what he tried to do, and he was extremely devoted.”

Mr Margerison was just 17 when he joined the RAF and it was after numerous successful missions that, on the way back to England, his Lancaster Bomber was shot down over Belgium.

He was able to hide out for several weeks before eventually being captured and taken to Bankau prisoner of war camp in Germany - now present day Poland.

The camp was liberated by the Soviet Army and he joined thousands of refugees on the long march home, eventually reaching Britain in May, 1945.

In 2005, Mr Margerison had his book, Boys At War, which told the story of his dramatic time in Europe, published. After the war, he went into newspapers as a compositor, at first for the Blackburn Times and later the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

He moved on to the Manchester Evening News, later becoming a sub editor, where he spent many years until his retirement.

The family also owned a hardware shop in Blackburn town centre.

In retirement, he indulged in his hobby of painting and went back to college to study caligraphy.

He also joined Salesbury Bowling Club, where he spent many happy afternoons and enjoyed hiking with his friends from the club in the off- season.

Peter Cooper, of Coniston Drive, Darwen, first met Mr Margerison while working at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

He said: “I have known him since I was 15. That was my first job and he took me under his wing.

“When I went to Manchester he came as well and we travelled together. He was a quiet man and a really nice bloke.

“The last time he came out of his house was when the Lancaster Bombers flew over Thwaites Brewery, which was fitting really.”

Mr Margerison’s funeral is on Friday at Lammack Methodist Church, from 1pm, followed by cremation at Pleasington.