THE funeral of a the first leader of Bolton Metropolitan Council is taking place today.

Honorary Alderman John Hanscomb CBE, died on February 14, aged 94.

The civic funeral will be held at noon at Christ Church Heaton, Chorley New Road.

The Mayor, Cllr Elaine Sherrington and council leader, Cllr Linda Thomas will be in attendance.

Mr Hanscomb was the Conservative group leader for many years and also served as Mayor of Bolton twice in his life.

He fought in the Second World War, flying Spitfires for the RAF and carried on his love of flying afterwards, evening own his own light aircraft.

Mr Hanscomb left behind his wife Norma and daughter Lindsay.

His funeral will be followed by a private committal for family and friends at Overdale Crematorium.

The family have asked that any donations be given to Shaws Funeral Directors and made payable to Royal Bolton Hospital Charitable Trust.