A POPULAR local landlord who ran a busy Harwood pub for more than 30 years has died aged 70.

John Southworth, better known as Jack to regulars at the Seven Stars Hotel at Lea Gate, died suddenly at home on Monday.

Born near the Seven Stars on Tottington Road in Harwood, Jack was a joiner by trade.

He entered the licensed trade and remained a one-pub man throughout a long and successful career.

He was well known and had many friends, not least through his licensed trade and was a keen sportsman.

Jack was boss at the Seven Stars for 32 years until he retired about six years ago.

Well known as a keen sportsman, Jack particularly enjoyed football, representing Bolton Wyresdale, and bowls where he was involved as player and administrator.

He leaves his wife Maureen and three daughters, Ann, Kate and Marie.

The funeral will be held next Monday. The cortege will leave Crompton Chapel on Crompton Way at 10.30am. A requiem mass will be held at St Columba's Church at 10.45am prior to committal at Overdale West Chapel at noon.

A request has been made for family flowers only, fellow mourners are invited to make donations to the British Heart Foundation if they so wish.

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