LIKE many older readers and past and present staff of The Bolton News, we have all been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Les Gent, a former editor of the newspaper.

A great distinguished career in local journalism spanning 48 years — which is a most remarkable achievement — that started as a cub reporter in 1955 and followed by working his way up through the ranks to become editor of the then Bolton Evening News from 1979 to 1987 seeing over some big challenging changes at the newspaper and in the industry itself.

For many of us readers who have grown up with the newspaper one of the most popular and successful sections in it has been the 'Looking Back' column that Les helped launch.

A fascinating and nostalgic look back at our history of the town seen through great archive photos and write ups that even today still keeps readers reminiscing about the town centre and the areas they grew up in.

How fitting that Les was able to be part of the 150th celebrations of The Bolton News and that he wrote about his time at the newspaper in the souvenir publication printed ready to coincide with the anniversary on Sunday 19th March.

My parents recall Mr Gent visiting their then home in Deane in the early 1970s when he came to surprise and present them with a cheque for the great sum of £600 — which my parents said was a lot of money even back then — which they had won on the B.E.N/ Buff 'Spot The Ball' competition.

They remember him being a really nice gentleman, friendly and very polite.Tributes will no doubt continue to come in from many people for a popular, well liked and respected family man and work colleague.

May he Rest in Peace.

Kevin Morris

Blackburn Road

Astley Bridge