TRIBUTES have been paid to the chief executive of Bolton Hindu Forum Manu Mistry, who has died at the age of 66 from complications linked to coronavirus.

Earlier this month he was admitted to Royal Bolton Hospital with Covid-19 and died on Monday morning, his family has said.

He worked as a magistrate for many years and later joined the Bolton Hindu Forum, eventually becoming the CEO.

Imteyaz Ali, secretary of Bolton Council of Mosques said: "He was a member of the Faith Leaders Forum and in difficult times we would always work together.

"He was kind and considerate, he always put the community first.

"This is a great loss to the community and his good work will never be forgotten.

"Manu was a key player and it is a very sad loss, we hope that we can think about the legacy that he has left behind.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Manu is said to have played an important role in 'The Bolton Family' and brought people together across different communities.

Bolton's leaders have paid tribute to the work Manu did in the borough.

Mayor of Bolton Cllr Linda Thomas said: "It's so very sad to hear about the loss of Manu Mistry.

"Manu was very popular and well-respected across Bolton for his dedication to his community and many other causes in the town.

"He was an important key member of the Bolton Family and touched many lives.

"Manu will be missed greatly by many people and our thoughts are with his family.

"We will miss our good friend, rest in peace."

Council leader Cllr David Greenhalgh added: "The Bolton Family has lost a dear friend - a genuinely kind and caring gentleman, devoted to not only the Hindu community but to the whole of our borough."

Bolton Labour leader Cllr Nick Peel said: "It's really sad, it's a tragedy for Bolton as a whole as well as for his family and friends.

"He was one of the major voices for the Bolton Hindu Forum and he did so much to foster relationships across Bolton between people of different faiths.

"He was a fully fledged member of the Bolton Family and he worked to create harmony between communities."