Heritage campaigner, magician and former theatre proprietor Cyril Critchlow, 85, died peacefully in Clifton Hospital on Friday May 2 after a lengthy illness.

Mr Critchlow who lived in central Blackpool, was at the heart of Blackpool's leisure industry for more than 60 years.

He had many claims to fame but is best known as the creator of the former showbiz museum on Coronation Street in the town.

He also worked painstakingly to archive information on Blackpool's theatres, music halls, funfairs, side shows and piers.

Born in Burslem, Staffordshire, Mr Critchlow first fell in love with Blackpool during childhood visits.

He moved here as a teenager after his family bought a guest- house in Hull Road in central Blackpool. He was later to take over the running of the property for more than 40 years, but his first love was always magic.

He spent his pocket money on magic tricks as a youngster and made his name as an entertainer during the war.

In Blackpool, he perfected his Reval magic act in between working as a window cleaner, photographer, bleach salesman and Winter Gardens spotlight operator.

He was also one of the founder members of Blackpool Magicians' Club, which brings millions of pounds to the resort with its annual conventions.

Bill Lamb, honorary vice-president of the club, said: "Cyril loved magic and always had the town's best interests at heart.

"We have just opened a new club- house and put some items of Cyril's memorabilia on display. It is a shame he did not live to see it.

"He will be sadly missed."

He was elected a Liberal councillor in the 1960s and prided himself on being a passionate campaigner for ordinary people

Mr Critchlow fulfiled a lifelong dream when he opened his museum of entertainment on the site of the derelict Methodist Sunday School on Coronation Street in 1977. In this space he displayed 2,000 unique items he had collected over the years.

Thousands of holidaymakers flocked in to use the Witches Kitchen cafe and tour the exhibits, which included a Meccano replica of Blackpool Tower, a talking kettle and Magna – the Golden Mile's Robot Man.

Later he opened an intimate 186- seater theatre on the site to keep the spirit of Blackpool variety and music hall alive.

Anniversary

He continued working into his eighties when he re-invented himself yet again – as Wizardo, Harry Potter's grandfather.

Throughout his life he gave popular talks on Blackpool's history.

He was working on books on the Magic Wand, Central Pier and Blackpool's aviation history at the time of his death, which took place two days before his ruby wedding anniversary.

Mr Critchlow is survived by his second wife, Shirley, his daughter Pat Johnson, four grandsons and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will take place at Blackpool's Grand Theatre at 10.15am on Tuesday May 27 after a procession along the Golden Mile.