THE memory of an Asda delivery driver who tragically died of cancer will live on at the Radcliffe store he worked on as colleagues honoured him in a touching tribute.

Much-loved colleague Leighton Hardy died at the age of just 44 last year.

His colleagues at the store wanted to find a fitting way to remember Leighton, who was a home shopping driver, and have named a delivery van after him.

The message 'For Leighton' has been inscribed on one of the store's new vans to show that he’ll always be remembered by his co-workers.

Asda Radcliffe home shopping team name van after much-missed colleague Leighton Hardy

Asda Radcliffe home shopping team name van after much-missed colleague Leighton Hardy

Craig Booth, the store's e-commerce trading manager, said: “We're a really close-knit group here, so it had a big impact on us when Leighton passed away.

"We didn't want to ever forget him so we’re proud that one of our vans is now dedicated for him. He was a top guy and is missed by us all here at Radcliffe.

"Leighton's partner is over the moon with it. Because it's been a few months now since he passed away she was happy to know we were still thinking of Leighton every day and that we won't stop thinking of him either."

Asda Radcliffe home shopping team name van after much-missed colleague Leighton Hardy

Asda Radcliffe home shopping team name van after much-missed colleague Leighton Hardy

Craig says the message on the van has touched those Leighton used to deliver to.

He said: "You form a close bond with your customers when you see them regularly, and I know of at least one customer who knows Leighton's family who saw the message and stopped to take a picture of it.

"Leighton was such a big part of our team here, and it's important to us to remember him like this."