HUNDREDS paid their last respects at the funeral of Tyldesley businessman Bob Gregson.

A popular figure in town Mr Gregson, 56, had run the family building firm until it folded in the 1980s.

He collapsed and died at the Tyldesley DIY shop he ran with his wife, Christine, in Shuttle Street

A long-serving member of Tyldesley Rotary Club he was president in 1980-81 and 1986-87 and was twice District Club Service Chairman, responsible for all the Rotary clubs in the area.

President of Tyldesley Rotary Club Reg Hignett said: "Bob was a great character and extremely popular. He knew everybody and everybody knew him - he will be sadly missed.

"Bob was a popular figure throughout the Rotary District, and a first class example of showing Rotary cares.

"He was a keen, competent croquet player.

"His death ends the Gregsons' 50 year association with Tyldesley Rotary Club. Bob's father, Tom, was a founder member."

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