TRIBUTES have been paid to an avid Bolton Wanderers fan and festival-goer who died on holiday in Greece.

Chartered surveyor Stephen Monk, aged 56, died in Corfu on August 21 while on holiday with his wife and three daughters.

Mr Monk and his family were on their first holiday together for five years and stayed at the Christina Apartments in the resort of San Stefanos.

His family described him as “gentle and positive” and happy to help anyone.

They said he died in a tragic accident on the beach, but were too upset to talk about the incident.

Mr Monk worked as a chartered surveyor for Manchester-based brokerage firm Christie and Co and was a Wanderers season ticket holder.

He also enjoyed going to the Glastonbury Festival with his friends.

His favourite bands included The Smiths and The Courteeners and he was a regular customer at the Victoria and Albert pub in Lee Lane, Horwich.

He leaves his wife of 30 years, Colette, and his daughters Emma, Rachel and Rebecca.

Mrs Monk, aged 55, said: “Stephen was always positive and gentle — he was happy to help anybody. He liked walking, reading and music. He had a very eclectic taste and he used to like going to gigs.”

Emma, aged 23, said: “My dad had a great sense of humour — he was very witty.

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“He used to leave me little letters if he wasn’t home, usually with money in them if I was going out with my friends.”

Rachel, aged 26, said: “He used to call me Little Richard — he would still call me that even though I’m 26.

“He was a really loving dad. He was always there for you when you needed him.”

Rebecca, aged 26, said: “He introduced me to football. I watched Wanderers win promotion to the Premier League with him in Cardiff and I went to Wembley with him for the FA Cup semi-final against Stoke.

“I got hooked on Wanderers after he started taking me to the games and I’ve now got a season ticket.

“He had such a nice way with people and could talk to anybody. I don’t know how the people who knew him will live without him.”

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are aware of the death of a British national in Corfu. We have been providing consular assistance to the family at this sad time.”

An inquest was opened into Mr Monk’s death on September 5. His funeral is due to be held today at Overdale West Chapel at 11.30am.

The family asked for donations to be made to The Motor Neurone Disease Association.