AN old boy of Leigh Grammar School, who went on to become Borough Engineer, has died at the age of 63.

As a tribute to John Simm's work in the borough flags flew at half-mast on municipal buildings-- an honour normally reserved for mayors, freemen, councillors, chief officers, royalty or tragedies.

Leigh-born Mr Simm, who was head boy of LGS, studied at Manchester University and began his career as a civil servant with Bolton Council. He joined Wigan Borough Council in 1963 and in 1974 became Wigan Metro chief assistant engineer.

He became borough engineer in 1989 and retired in July 2000.

Mr Simm, married to Marion, with whom he had daughters Heather and Julie and a son, Martin, died on March 5.

Paying tribute to his work Council Leader Lord Smith said: "It is entirely appropriate we honour the memory of a man who did so much for our borough."

And environment cabinet minister Cllr Brian Strett said: "John will have a lasting memorial in this borough with all the major improvements that have taken place during his time as borough engineer."

Mayor Cllr John Hilton expressed "great sadness" and Wigan's chief executive Steve Jones underlined Mr Simm's popularity saying "we all had cause to be thankful for his humour, caring approach and professional expertise".

Mr Simm, who lived in Bolton, was twice chairman of the Greater Manchester Association of District Engineers and had been national president of the Association of Metropolitan District Engineers.

His funeral took place on Monday at Bolton.