PENNINGTON Golf Club captain Jeff Pimblett has died after collapsing at a club dinner.

Mr. Pimblett, 55, of Kerfoot Street, Leigh, collapsed as he stepped onto the dance floor at the Captain's Annual Dinner.

Despite frantic attempts to resuscitate him, he died on his way to Royal Bolton Hospital.

More than 70 members and their guests, including Mr. Pimblett'e wife, Mary, had just said farewell to their guests of honour Mayor Ken Pye and his wife when tragedy struck.

As Mr. Pimblett stepped onto the floor to resume dancing, he suddenly collapsed. He was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.

Club secretary Alan Wilson said: "The whole club is in shock at the sudden death of Jeff and our sympathies go out to his wife and children. He was a popular captain whose term of office was due to expire in January.

"We still can't believe it has happened, and he will be sadly missed."

Mr. Pimblett, who had previously served as treasurer, was cremated at Overdale on Monday following a service at All Saints' Church, Leigh.

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