THE funeral of a former Bolton teacher, historian and author who featured on BBC's Countryfile programme will take place tomorrow.

David Clayton, who was born in Horwich and taught at Hayward Grammar School, died on August 29 at the age of 77.

He was educated at Bolton School and graduated in history from Merton College, Oxford.

Until recently he was president of the Bolton branch of the Historical Association and had been chairman for many years.

His funeral takes place at Rivington Church at 2pm Mr Clayton, who lived in Brinscall near Chorley, was featured on Countryfile talking about his book Lost Farms of Brinscall Moors which was published in 2011.

He had spent two years researching and writing his book, which uncovered the story of how the community living on the hills and moors above Brinscall abandoned their homes in the early 20th century.

He led scores of people on walks around the ruins of the abandoned farms and also gave many talks about his book around the county after its publication.

Mr Clayton was a talented singer, was passionate about music and was a former chairman of the Brixi Singers chamber choir.

He was also a committee member of the Rivington Music Association.

Mr Clayton also wrote two other books Britain and the Eastern question: Missolonghi to Gallipoli and a history of the early years of Hayward Grammar School.

His funeral will take place at Rivington Church at 2pm on Thursday, September 11.