TERRY Hutchinson made the saddest trip of his life last week.

The 52-years-old rubber technician flew to his Leigh home from New Zealand to attend his father Roy's funeral.

The former builder and BICC worker died in Wigan Infirmary, his wife Mabel's 75th birthday, after a long illness. The couple had been married for 53 years.

Roy, 77, a father of six, was brought up in Westbourne Avenue and after marrying moved to Maple Crescent. He was a long time member of St Paul's Labour Club.

A funeral service took place at St Paul's Church to give eldest son, Terry, a former St Paul's and Leigh Grammar School boy, the chance to get home.

Sister Maureen Barrow said: "His visits home have always been happy events. We've always had fun greeting him with the Yates and Greers pies he loves. This time it's going to be the unhappiest journey he has ever made."

The funeral service was followed by cremation at Howe Bridge at 1pm.