A WELL-known Horwich man has died at the age of 100.

Kingsley Melling, who was the oldest surviving Bolton School pupil until his death last week, opened Melling's Chemist, in Chorley New Road, Horwich, in 1930 and worked there for 64 years until he was 90.

He died last Wednesday, August 18 after a short illness.

Mr Melling spent his final years at Vale House Rest Home, Horwich.

He was born in Bolton on October 19, 1903, and was brought up in Derby Street with his twin brother, Clifford.

After attending Sunning Hill Primary School, the pair were the first working-class children to be awarded scholarships to Bolton School.

Mr Melling had a pharmaceutical apprenticeship at Brindle Chemist in Derby Street before completing his training at the Manchester School of Pharmacy.

He was also a leader at Horwich Evangelical Church for more than 70 years and was a founder member of the 1993 extension to the church.

He was married to Helen, had three sons, including twins, five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Mr Melling's son, George, aged 70, who took over the pharmacy in 1961 and worked with his father until 1994, said: "He loved his job very much and was a very active member at the church.

"He has been fairly well until recently but in the past few months he lost the ability to read and write and eventually just died of old age."

A funeral service for Mr Melling is being held at Horwich Evangelical Church on Tuesday, August 31, at 2.15pm before committal at Overdale Crematorium at 3.30pm.

A memorial service will also be held at Horwich Evangelical Church at 6pm on Sunday, September 5.