ACCOUNTANT Jack Farraday, who helped raise funds for Bury Hospice in his capacity as vice-president, has died at the age of 91.

He was instrumental in providing financial advice when the project was in its infancy and also helped source cash when the hospice was up and running.

Mr Farraday was also heavily involved in other aspects of public and voluntary life in Bury for more than 50 years and his services to the community earned him an OBE in 1995.

He was a JP, clerk to the governors of Bury Grammar Schools, a long-time member of Bury Rotary Club and founder secretary of Abbeyfield Bury Society, which has a home in Turks Road, Radcliffe.

Mr Farraday died on Monday at Parklands Nursing Home in Whitefield. He lived in Lime Grove, Bury, until a few years ago. His wife, Elsie, died in 1997. The couple had no children.

Mr Mervyn Reeves, fund-raising manager of Bury Hospice, led the tributes to the organisation's vice-president.

Mr Farraday helped raise thousands of pounds to help establish Bury Hospice and also sourced money from numerous charitable trusts. Eighteen months ago, he helped secure funding for a new ambulance. Mr Reeves said: "Jack gave us lots of financial advice and was instrumental in getting money from other people. His wise counsel was always listened to and was always very welcome. He will be a sad loss, not only to Bury Hospice but to the town of Bury."

A service of thanksgiving will be held at Bury United Reformed Church on Friday, October 17, at 1pm, followed by committal at Rochdale Crematorium at 2.20pm. Donations may be given to the Rotary Foundation.