A POPULAR landlord and classic motorcycle enthusiast has died.

Eric Biddle, the former landlord of The Squirrel pub, in Horwich, died at home on Sunday, aged 87.

Mr Biddle, who was born and brought up in Daubhill, Bolton, ran the Squirrel for around 15 years up until he retired at the age of 60.

He was well know for his love of classic British motorbikes and often kept his favourite, such as racing Nortons, on display inside the pub.

His passion led to the Squirrel becoming a popular pub among bikers, who would call in for a pint and to look at the latest attraction to be mounted on the bar.

Mr Biddle collected more than 50 classic motorcycles which he kept in a shed at the back of his pub, which is now an Indian restaurant.

He ran the Squirrel with his first wife Gladys until she died in the early 1980s.

He married his second wife Olga five years later, with whom he raised her daughter Patricia.

Following his retirement, Mr Biddle also started collecting classic cars.

One of his favourites was a 1925-style American Standard Eight Hupmobile' which was imported into the country in 1939 When he bought the seven-seat car in 1978, it was the only motor of its kind in the UK.

Stepdaughter, Patricia Rothwell, from Westhoughton, said: "He was a larger than life character and every time you think of him you have to laugh. He was always doing some madcap thing."

Mr Biddle's funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) at Howe Bridge Crematorium in Lovers Lane, Atherton.

For more information call Howarth's Funeral Service on 01204 309 609.