A TRIBUTE night in memory of Bolton's 'funniest man' will be held tomorrow night.

Ernie Roberts, a well known and popular bus driver, died on New Year's Eve at the age of 72.

But Covid-19 restrictions meant that no reception could be held for the father-of-three and numbers had to be limited for the service.

Now friends are invited to attend a special night to celebrate his life at Astley Bridge Conservative Club and share memories ­— including the time when Peter Kay apparently crowned him the funniest man in Bolton, when the comic was out of town.

Daughter, Erin Flatley-Roberts said: "On the order of service we included the 'funniest man in Bolton'. He met Peter Kay at a petrol station, I'm not sure where but he said to him that he was 'the funniest man in Bolton' when Peter was in Blackpool!"

His family describe Mr Roberts as a legend.

"He was so popular, and very well known," said Erin, "He also worked as a doorman as well on Ribble Buses.

"We just want to celebrate his life because people were not able to attend the service because of Covid.

"He was the best possible father and grandad, he was known as nan-dad because my mum had passed away, so he was both to his three grandchildren."

Mr Roberts grew up in Johnson Fold before moving to Astley Bridge. He spent a short time in Torquay as a doorman too, moving down with his best friend Tommy Booth.

Erin said: "He knew so many people. When we celebrated his 70th birthday so many people came, about 130. So we wanted to do this for his friends who could not come to the service."

The tribute night is open to anyone who knew Mr Roberts and wants to celebrate his life.

There will be a Beatles tribute band on as it was his favourite band, a karaoke, which he also loved and a traditional pasty and peas supper.

On the night the family will be passing around a memories book.

The night will start at 7pm.