FORMER council leader John Hanscomb died this week.

A look through the archives showed he was never media-shy, posing for pictures at lots of ceremonial events as well as showing off his piloting skills and his home which he built himself.

Honorary Alderman John Hanscomb, a life-long Conservative, was leader of the very first Bolton Metropolitan Council and was Mayor on two occasions.

He flew Spitfires during World War Two and carried on his love of flying afterwards. He even took council officers up in his plane to take aerial shots of industrial sites around Bolton.

Cllr John Walsh said Mr Hanscomb had dug his own foundations when creating his home and said he "loved gardening".

Adding: "His lawn was always well tended."