FIRST he was a footballer and then he helped keep the iconic Spitfire in the air during the Second World War.

But it was his career as a car mechanic which led to him being dubbed “the Fred Dibnah of the motor world”.

Frank Edwards, who died last week, aged 88, never retired, working his whole life repairing cars at garage businesses he set up in Bolton.

His second wife of 32 years, Mrs Vesta Edwards, said: “He was well known in the town.

He was like the Fred Dibnah of the motor trade.

“He could turn his hand to anything. He used to say if he hadn’t got the right spare part, he would make it himself.”

Mr Edwards, who lived in Down Green Road, Harwood, began his working life as a promising footballer, later turning professional. He signed for Blackpool and captained the reserves.

His footballing days came to an end, however, when war broke out and the 19-year-old joined the RAF, becoming an aviation engineer.

He repaired Spitfires and other fighter planes, and would sometimes fly with the crews after a repair — in case anything went wrong!

Mrs Edwards said: “He used to joke that the rest of the crew would say, if you’ve not fixed it right, then you’re coming down with us.”

When the war ended in 1945, Mr Edwards returned to Bolton and set up his first garage in Stewart Street.

He had married for the first time the previous year, when he was on leave, and went on to have three children — Ann, Janet and Frank. As his business grew, he moved to Halliwell Road to open a showroom, a repairs garage and parts department.

He later opened the Old Links Service Station and the Northway Service Station in Belmont Road.

He married Vesta in 1977 and they had a son, Gareth, who died 10 years ago.

He also raised Janette and Michelle, from his wife’s previous marriage.

In 1982, Mr Edwards moved his business to Nelson Mills, in Gaskell Street, where, amazingly, he carried on working until 2008 and the age of 86.

The day before his 87th birthday, however, he suffered a stroke, and never worked again.

Mrs Edwards said: “He worked hard all his life. He was dedicated to his work and dedicated to his family.

“In 2005 we went to London for the 60th anniversary celebrations of the end of the war.

“It was very emotional for him. He was a loyal man to his country. I’m very proud of him.”

Mr Edwards’ funeral was being held today at 3pm at Overdale’s West Chapel.