Mr Ingham will be remembered by young and old for his magic tricks and Christian work around the area.

Never without a smile, "Magic Jack" (64) dedicated his life to helping others and those less fortunate than himself.

Touching the lives of many, he would travel around local schools teaching and educating through his magic.

The evangelist and magician was a member at the Central Gospel Mission, Nelson, and travelled to Mexico, Romania and Pakistan on missions to spread the gospel.

Pastor Ian Humphreys said: "Jack was an amazing man who dedicated his life to serving the children and young people of Pendle. He will be sadly missed by a lot of people who really appreciated his input."

>> Click here to leave a tribute to Jack, light a candle in his memory or pass on words of sympathy to his family

He was a father figure to many, who would call him "grandad" and "Uncle Jack".

His daughter, Deborah Bridge, said: "He touched the lives of so many. He was such a good guy and gave his love of God through magic.

"He loved spending time with his family and friends and would love taking the grandchildren out. My sister Abby and I are very very proud to have him as our dad."

Tributes have flooded in on social network site Facebook that has already received over 3,000 fans.

Messages posted on the tribute page describe him as a "legend".

Mrs Bridge said: "One message that was really touching said it was such a shame future generations will not have the privilege to meet him, and it's true. Just the mention of his name and everyone lights up."

Even when he was diagnosed with colon cancer he remained positive and upbeat, remaining a regular visitor to schools and colleges. He received hundreds of letters from primary and secondary school children who Mrs Bridge said were "genuine words from the heart".

She continued: "He would walk around the college and the students were so receptive towards him. Everyone loved him."

Just over a year ago he was honoured in his home town of Nelson, winning the title of "Local Hero". Mrs Bridge said: "He was totally stunned and taken aback. He did not even know he had been nominated, it was such a lovely surprise for him."

Mr Ingham also worked at the SafeSpace homeless project from 2000, where he helped teenagers in need.

His funeral will take place on Thursday. The cortege will leave the Central Gospel Mission, Nelson, at 10 a.m. and will pass his home in the Hollins Road area. The family has requested that it is family and close friends only at Burnley Crematorium.

Pastor Ian Humphreys will lead a service for all at the Central Gospel Mission, at 11-45 a.m. and requests people "come as you are".

Family flowers only, but donations will be shared between charities close to Mr Ingham's heart.