ONE of the most popular figures in Bolton's Youth Service has died.

Mr Syd Gardner, who joined Bolton Council in 1972 as Senior Youth Officer, worked in all areas of the borough until his early retirement last year.

Born in Consett, County Durham, Mr Gardner, who was 58, lived in Ainsworth, Bury.

His sudden death at his home on Monday has shocked his former colleagues and friends.

Mr Gardner started youth work whilst serving in the Royal Air Force and after leaving the services he took up a post in Liverpool.

Mr Gardner became a senior youth officer with Bolton Council in 1972 until local government reorganisation in 1974.

After reorganisation he worked as a training officer for the youth service until his retirement in June, 1995. A former colleague said today: "Syd was a very popular youth officer and youth training officer. One of his greatest strengths was his awareness of the needs of young people irrespective of where they came from.

"He will be remembered for often going out of his way on others behalf and will be sorely missed by many in Bolton and beyond."

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