A GREAT-GRANDFATHER who died last month in a house fire in Tonge Fold was a "loving husband" his family have said.

Stephen Burke died when after a blaze engulfed the bedroom of his home in Meadowside Avenue on May 28.

He was the father to six children, who have jointly described the family as "completely devastated" and paid tribute to their "loving dad".

In a joint statement after the incident, the group also thanked emergency services and the council for their help and expressed their gratitude to everyone in the community who has offered support.

Melanie Greaves, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "We lost our dad in such tragic circumstances due to a house fire at the home, that's left my mum, Lorna, and the whole family completely devastated and we are all heartbroken.

"He was a loving husband to my mum and a loving dad to me, Lisa, Tina, Ste, Phillip and Aaron and a caring father-in-law and grandad and great grandad to many. He is going to be missed very much by everyone, friends and family."

Mr Burke had been a bus driver for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive but retired in order to care for his wife who had suffered with a brain tumour.

He was also an avid bingo player and was well-known in many of Bolton's pub darts leagues.

The children have set up a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for their mother.

In the description of the campaign, Melanie wrote: "Due to the devastating event, my mum has lost not only her husband, but everything in their home, so we are trying to raise some funds as a family to help ease at this very stressful time.

"Any donations, no matter how small or how big, would make a huge difference in trying to help out in this very difficult time. Thankyou in advance and to everyone that has sent messages, cards and flowers, it has been very much appreciated."

To donate to the page, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-stephen-burke.