TRIBUTES have been paid to a couple who died within a week of each other from coronavirus.

Joyce Gerrard died on March 25, aged 90, while her husband Leonard (Len) passed away on April 1 aged 93.

Daughter Lynne had some very fond memories of her parents.

She said: "Mum worked for J.Parker Ellis who were well-known in Bolton as they had a base in London and also Pelso office where she did wages and was the first person in Bolton to use a comptometer (mechanical calculator).

"Dad worked for the Bradshaw Bleachworks and then Walmesley's on Crompton Way and he always cycled to work and back.

"He enjoy it and they both loved walking locally in the hills and dad would get the Bolton Evening News back then and go for a walk around Entwistle reservoir and read the paper. They went around the British Isles on holidays and we spent half of our childhood in Llandudno.

"Family was everything to them and they gave us a lot of love."

They were the beloved parents to Lynne and Beverley, parents-in-law to Jim and David. Much loved grandparents to Stacey and Elisa, Melissa and Kevan, and Lucy and Richard. They were also great grandparents to Thomas and Rebecca, and Saul, Erik and Ayda.

Lynne added that the couple were well-known in Bradshaw.

"In those days, Bradshaw was a real community and lots of family lived in the neighbourhood until they died. Len played for Bradshaw Cricket Club and our uncle Nat played for them too.

"We loved to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays and it was always great."

Lynne added that it was sad how her parents had caught coronavirus.

She said: "They went 12 months without getting it and then moved into a home and then caught it.

"It was very sad but we are grateful that they have lived so long. We have had some beautiful messages from friends and family and the Canon David Dunn did a wonderful service for them."

The funeral service took place on April 12 in Overdale Crematorium, West Chapel. Donations can be made to Dementia UK. Contact Bolton Funeralcare 01204 307151.