FAMILY, friends and former council colleagues came together to remember Cllr Alan Walsh — a man of 'decency and integrity.'

Councillors from across the political divide were among the many mourners paying their respects at a funeral service at St Andrews Church in Over Hulton.

They heard heartfelt tributes to 'a genuine family man' who lost his battle with cancer last month at the age of 81.

Cllr Walsh had served as a Conservative Ward Councillor for the Hulton Ward for the past 16 years — after first being elected in 2000.

Prior to that, he was well-known for his work with his family heating and plumbing business, Robert Walsh Ltd.

His son James said that it was the years following his retirement that he found his true calling in life – as a councillor for his beloved Hulton ward.

He said: “He was never one for the argy-bargy of local politics, his focus was on serving local people and doing the right thing.”

He said a decision of Bolton Council to award his father with the title of Honorary Alderman prior to his death was one that made him “very proud.”

He added: “There are many reasons why we can give thanks today — thanks for a man of real values, a man of decency and integrity, who always put others first. Thanks for a genuine family man, for my dad Alan Walsh — a man who lived a good life.”

The gathered guests heard how Alan — a devoted husband to Mavis and father to Christabel and James — was a passionate Bolton Wanderers fan and had a love of motoring.

Also paying tribute at the service was long-time friend and fellow councillor John Walsh who told of the 'tremendous respect' that he was given by politicians from all sides.

He said: “As a councillor he didn’t speak unless he had a vital point to make, but then he would make sure his voice was heard.

He added: “Alan was a man of many parts, but he knew how to do things right — he will be missed.”