THE wife of a former champion wrestler has paid tribute to him following his sudden death, at the age of 73.

Vic Faulkner, who lived in Harwood, was European Middleweight Wrestling Champion between 1966 and 1973 and British Welterweight Wrestling Champion between 1973 and 1977.

He and brother Bert also fought together as ‘The Royal Brothers’, a famous – and undefeated – wrestling tag team.

The siblings performed at The Royal Albert Hall and The Liverpool Palace among other venues, including Bolton's Wryton Stadium, in Blackburn Road.

They became major TV stars during the 60s and 70s, often appearing on popular Saturday afternoon shows such as World of Sport.

During his wrestling heyday Mr Faulkner met many of the top stars and celebrities of the era, including The Beatles, Adam Faith and Sandie Shaw.

But his wife, Sally, said her husband was a private and modest man, who often shied away from talking about his career once he had retired.

A family man at heart, he enjoyed nothing better than spending time with his beloved children and grandchildren.

Mrs Faulkner said: “He was a really, really nice guy, I have not heard anybody say anything bad about him.

"He was so nice, I would get annoyed about things, but he would just say ‘don’t worry about it, let it go'.

“All the tributes we had said what a nice person he was, what a nice smile he had, and how he was always good with people - a really, really lovely man.

“He had a great smile that lit up the room when he walked in a room, it was just amazing.”

And such was Mr Faulkner’s popularity that his family held two services for him to accommodate all those who wished to pay their respects.

A private funeral and cremation for family and close friends was followed by a thanksgiving service the next day at Christ Church Walmsley, Egerton.

Mrs Faulkner added: “I’m absolutely touched. We had over 70 cards and letters before it was even announced in the paper.

“We’re really, really touched by all the love and support we have received from people and the nice messages from the fans.

“Some people travelled from Birmingham and some quite long distances to pay their respects and the family would like to say thank you to all those that have done that.”

Mr Faulkner went to St Peter and Paul’s RC School and Lord’s Commercial Institute, before becoming a professional wrestler aged just 17-following in the footsteps of his father, Lewis.

His career saw him travel the world, taking part in bouts in countries such as France, Italy and Kenya.

He spent a lot of time in London during his wrestling days, but always lived in Bolton where he was born and bred.

After retiring from his wresting career Mr and Mrs Faulkner moved to the Harwood area with their children Simon and Georgina.

Mr Faulkner went to work for Thwaites Brewery, where he was also very successful, being named top area manager on several occasions.

He leaves behind wife Sally, children Simon and Georgina, daughter-in-law Linda and son-in-law Andrew, as well as his grandchildren Benjamin, Samuel, Rachel and Oliver (nicknamed ‘Pud’), who knew him as ‘grandpops’.

Donations at his funeral and thanksgiving service were donated to Harwood Methodist Church.