Shock death of well-known nightclub owner

Kurt Smith, 58m, was found dead near Balshaw Lane, Euxton, shortly before 5pm on Sunday.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “We attended along with colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service but sadly a 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Mr Smith's family has been informed.

The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious

A file will be prepared for the coroner.

It is believed he was with his dog Elvis when he died.

Mr Smith, who lived in Chorley, ran the popular Applejax nightclub in Chorley town centre and was also connected with the Rose and Crown pub, St Thomas's Road, and the Red Herring, Mill Lane, Coppull.

In the 1980s he was landlord of the then Weird Arms which later became the Leigh Arms.

One tribute included in a bunch of flowers placed outside The Rose and Crown said: "Keep them partying, all day and night. King of the club. R.I.P. Kurt ... Good guy."