THE legacy of a 'gifted and talented' doctor will live on through Bolton's vibrant art's scene and the world of medicine.

Tributes from across Bolton have been paid to Dr Robert Aston, who has died after a short illness at the age of 75.

He died in Bolton Hospice on Sunday.

Dr Aston had a great passion for music, and was a key player in Bolton Music Service and the Victoria Hall, ensuring young people's lives were enriched through the arts ­— while using his professional career to help people at home and abroad.

The Bolton News:

His wife Glennis said: "Since we returned to Bolton 25 years ago, Robert and I have enjoyed a life full of shared musical adventures, during which time we have made many dear friends. He was an enthusiast in everything he did.

"Whether it was promoting vaccination, tracing an outbreak, developing our garden, training a choir, playing chamber music, to name but a few, his enthusiasm was infectious.

"We have been together since we met at Canon Slade School in 1962. We met in the Debating Society and never ran out of topics to discuss. He had a very strong faith, which sustained him greatly in his last months.

"Our children knew he loved them whatever happened, as do our grandchildren. It has been very hard for them not to be able to see him in his last few weeks because of the lockdown."

She added: "Robert was a very talented and gifted man, and his greatest joy was in sharing his talents with others."

The Bolton News:

(Pictured is Dr Aston as musical director holding a certificate as The Operetta Company is presented with an award)

Read more: Robert Aston - a love of music... and helping save the world from disease​

Head of Bolton Music Service, Carolyn Baxendale, said: “Bolton Music Service is extremely grateful for many years of support which Robert Aston has given to the service and to the wider Bolton community.

“He has been a tower of strength, kindness and generosity in the way he has supported the development of music in our borough.

“His support for the musical development of young people has helped many budding musicians to achieve their ambitions, especially through their music examinations, which Robert often accompanied on the piano. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.”

David Tomlinson, managing trustee at the Victoria Hall, said: "The Victoria Hall owes a deep debt of gratitude to Robert both as a Methodist Church and in all the musical events he was involved in.

"He had unbounded joy and enthusiasm for the hall, its musical heritage it's wonderful acoustic, but most of all giving his complete support to our church ,and the many community choirs, orchestras and musical groups in our town.

"We are all deeply saddened and will be forever grateful for his wonderful legacy."