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Mr Regan died at home on February 18 surrounded by family, after choosing to leave Trinity Hospice in Bispham after a few weeks' stay to spend his final days with his loved ones.

His family said they were "dearly loved" by him, and his four great-grandchildren Max, Lacey, Amelia and Ava "kept him going" through the hard times.

He was born in Blackpool on January 17, 1940 to parents Frank and Mona Regan, and went to Devonshire Road primary school followed by Tyldesley High School.

Local historian Terry Regan died aged 80 on February 18 after a long battle with bladder cancer. Picture: Jason Regan

After school, Terry joined the Army, but shortly after decided it was not what he wanted to do, so fortunately his mother Mona was able to pay for him to leave and return to Blackpool.

Soon after, he met his wife Jean, and the couple married and had six children.

Working as a builder in Blackpool, In the 1970's Terry took his wife and children to California, in hopes of a better wage and a better life.

Sadly, he received news that his mother was dying, so the family moved back to Blackpool and their dreams were cut short.

Terry with great-grandaughter Lacey Regan. Picture: Jason Regan

In 1991, Terry and Jean moved to Lincoln Road in central Blackpool, where he died and Jean will continue to live.

Grandson Jason Regan, 31, said his Grandad was a "proud and strong local man" and was "very well thought of in Blackpool."

"He had a mighty fight. He was a local historian and never one to back down when he disagreed with something.

"There are very few streets in Blackpool he hasn't worked on as a builder. He carried on into his seventies and even after retiring he was still called on to help and give advice.

Mr Regan had a "great passion" for local history, and published his book "From lamp to laser," an in-depth history of Blackpool Illuminations, in 2004 alongside co-author Andrew Hazlehurst.

Throughout his life, he had published a number of history books and magazines worldwide, regularly wrote to the Gazette and was featured in articles about the Fylde Coast's history.

Terry is survived by his six children Dawn, David, Anthony, Robert, Sarah and Andrew and 10 grandchildren Jason, Abbie, Nick, Oliver, Amy, Jack, Christopher and Joe, Josh and Lauren.

The funeral will be held at Park Crematorium, Lytham, on Thursday March 5 at 11,30am.

Family flowers only, any donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to Trinity Hospice in Bispham.

Terry Regan, historian and co-author of Blackpool Illuminations book, dies at 80