A FORMER East Lancashire pub landlord today fought back tears as he spoke of the killing of his ex-gay partner.

A man has been charged with the murder of Noel Toland, 36, after his body was found at his home on the infamous Garvaghy Road, Portadown, Northern Ireland.

Noel originally came from Portadown but left his home for England 18 years ago to escape the troubles.

He and his gay partner Bruce Manville ran the Admiral Lord Rodney in Colne, and latterly the Punch Bowl, Earby.

Today devastated Bruce, of Nelson, said: "How anyone could do something like this to someone as wonderful as Noel I just do not know.

"My family has suffered a lot of bereavements over the past few years, but I just can't believe anyone could do something this awful, Noel would never hurt anyone."

Last year Bruce and Noel's relationship ended and Noel decided to return to Portadown and recently moved to the house in Victoria Terrace on Garvaghy Road where his body was found by police at about 6am on Tuesday.

Bruce and Noel had a 'marriage blessing' several years ago in Ireland by a Catholic priest. Bruce's father David, who now lives in Wales, said: "They were a great partnership and were made to be mine hosts.

"Noel was without fault and he used to regard me as his father-in-law. He was a joy to be with."

A friend of Mr Toland's who contacted the Lancashire Evening Telegraph described him as "a lovely man".

A Requiem Mass was held at St John's RC Church, Garvaghy Road, yesterday about half a mile from Noel's home. His mother, Ellen, and 12 brothers and sisters and extended family are devastated. Noel was due to return to East Lancashire in the near future.

His sister Rose said: "He had rented a house in Colne from a friend who was emigrating to Canada.

"She was a great friend of Noel and said she wouldn't have entrusted anyone else with the house.

"That's the sort of trustworthy person he was.

The Garvaghy Road is the traditional route of the Orange order's return march from Drumcree. The march was banned in 1998 and each year is the scene of violent stand offs between marchers, police and army.

Mr Toland's death is not thought to be a sectarian killing.

On Wednesday Francis Ferris, 26, of Garvaghy Road, Portadown, appeared at Craigavon Courthouse charged with Mr Toland's murder.

He did not speak during the four-minute hearing and was remanded in custody until April 25.