MASTER butcher, old soldier and loyal Leighite Bill Baines has died aged 86.

He had been in hospital a short time following a fall at his home.

At 14 he started work in his father's butchers shop and farm in Kirkhall Lane, Leigh and went on to become twice President of Leigh Master Butchers' Association - an organisation for which he served 40 years as secretary.

A part time fireman pre-war, he was called-up for Army service in 1942 and landed in France on D-Day as a member of the 6th Airborne Division.

After the war he went back to butchering and became a member of the Lancashire Council of Meat Traders serving terms as president, secretary and treasurer.

He had been a chairman of the South Lancashire Branch of the Parachutists Regiment Association.

Public spirited Mr Baines was a Special Constable for 25 years and in 1964 was commended by the Lancashire force's Chief Constable for his actions at the blazing scene of a fatal road accident.

A widower for nearly seven years Mr Baines is survived by a son, William, who is a meat inspector.

The funeral was held on Tuesday at St John's Church, Kirkhall Lane, followed by committal at Overdale.

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