TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a former chair of the Bolton and District Civic Trust who has died six months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Peter Hope, aged 75, died early on Sunday morning in Bolton Hospice. He leaves a wife Diana, three daughters and nine grandchildren.

Mr Hope, of Regent Road, Lostock, was a founder member of The Civic Trust, which was formed in 1963, and spent two five-year periods chairing it.

Bolton-born Mr Hope attended Bolton Grammar School before studying for a history degree at Cambridge and a law degree at Manchester university.

He worked as Chairman of the Industrial Tribunals board at Manchester before taking up a role as a registrar at Bolton County Court.

He became a successful lawyer and set up a partnership with his cousin Phillip Porter, now known as Fieldings Porter in Silverwell Street and run by Mr Porter's son David.

He worked as a partner in the firm for 36 years before his retirement."

Mr Porter said: "He was a very busy man and was very able even after his retirement. Peter was very academic and was extremely professional as a solicitor."

He had been president of Bolton Law Society and President of Bolton Rotary Club as well as a trustee for Bolton Hospice. Following his retirement 10 years ago, Mr Hope dedicated himself to The Civic Trust and took a key role in several campaigns including those against the redevelopment of Chorley New Road and against the Middlebrook retail park in Horwich.

Mr Hope was diagnosed with a brain tumour in August following a family holiday. Extensive tests found it to be inoperable and doctors gave him just three months to live. Harold Lindsay, deputy chair of the Trust, said: "It's very sad. He was obviously upset about it, but took it well and remained strong. He even gave a talk about it at the Rotary Club which I thought was very brave."

"He was very much a family man, but was also dedicated to his work here and with his other affiliations.

"The Civic Trust will miss him and his hard work and organised manner greatly."

Richard Sutherland, secretary of Bolton Rotarians, said: "He was an excellent rotarian and had been a member for around 30 years. His wife continued bringing him to our meetings right up until December.

"He did a tremendous amount for charity and was heavily involved with Bolton Hospice."