TRIBUTES have been paid to a former BAE employee who shared a 'big love' for table tennis.

Allan Turner, from Hindpool, in Barrow, has been fondly remembered by his niece Lynne Turner and nephew Kevin Turner.

Mr Turner, who died aged 77 due to a stroke, had worked for BAE Systems in Barrow for most of his lifetime.

Lynne said: "My uncle worked in the shipyard majority of his life. He was a welder the majority of the time.

"He then left to do a short stint in Holland and came back. 

"He also went to Asda for a few years to work as a trolley collector and then returned to where he started at BAE to work on the cleaning team."

Lynne remembers that his father Tommy, who died in 2005, used to be a welder with her uncle at the company.

Mr Turner had retired from BAE Systems over three years ago and had spent his last two years in the care home Risedale, in Barrow.

His niece Jasmine is starting in BAE in September and Lynne hopes that her uncle and grandfather will have passed the 'welding genes down to her.'

Mr Turner also shared a big love for recreational activities.

Lynne said: "He loved his bowling in his spare time and had played for various clubs.

"He also loved playing table tennis and ran a club up at Hawcoat Park."

His nephew Kevin Turner said: "I will always remember my uncle for his love of table tennis and his wicked sense of humour."

His funeral will be held on July 4 at 11.30am at the Trevelyan Chapel, Dalkeith Street, in Barrow.