HE was a farmer until the very end — so it was only fitting that Peter Fitton was driven to his funeral by a tractor.

Mr Fitton, described by his family as one of 'life’s best’ died suddenly at the age of 62 on June 19 while on holiday in Bakewell with his wife Margaret.

Today hundreds packed St Mary’s Church in Deane for an agricultural-themed service, in which his love for his family, friends and farming was celebrated.

A tractor pulling a trailer, which was emblazoned with messages of love, carried the coffin, adorned with the flowers in the words of grand-dad and dad, led the cortege, with another tractor driving behind.

The father-of-four and grandfather of six owned Moss Bank Farm for just over 40-years. He was the latest in a generation of farmers, with his children also carrying on the family tradition. Mr Fitton’s father Jack, who had a farm in Walmersley in Bury set up the Bury Young Farmers’ Club.

His sister Jackie Fitton, who lives also lives on a farm in Worsley, said: “He was a solid, dependable, reliable, honest upright man.

“Loyalty was very important to him. He was one of life’s best.”

She added: “He lived for his his family, his children and wife, who he was devoted to. He and Margaret had just celebrated 40 years of marriage, their Ruby Wedding Anniversary.”

Mr and Mrs Fitton had four children — Gregory, Daniel, Robert and Rachel — and six grandchildren, a started farming at Chew Moor when he got married becoming a sheep and arable farmer, which also had a milk-round.

Miss Fitton said: “Our dad was a farmer, our grand-dad was a farmer. Our family have been farming for a long time. Farming is in the blood.”

The funeral service was conducted by the Rector: The Reverend Dr Terry Clark and his daughter Rachel read a specially written a poem, in tribute to her dad.

Close friends shared memories of Mr Fitton as a young man, talking about his sense of humour and his love for his family.

The Bolton News:

Peter Fitton with his grandson 

Hymns sung were All Things Bright and Beautiful and We Plough the Fields and Scatter.

Mr Fitton also leaves behind his brothers John and Mark.

The family are asking people who wish to, to make donations in his memory to North West Ambulance Service.