A teenager appeared in court todaycharged with the murder of a father-of-three who was stabbed to death in a Bolton pub at the weekend.

Leon Ramsden, aged 19, is accused of murdering Paul Gilligan at the Pepper Alley pub in Crown Street early on Sunday.

Mr Gilligan, aged 31, was knifed in the chest and shoulder. He died at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

He had two daughters and a son and was described by friends as "the life and soul of the party".

His family described him as a "beautiful person".

Ramsden, of Turnstone Road, Bolton, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth at the hearing at Bolton Magistrates' Court.

There was a notable police presence inside and outside court, and it is believed friends and family of both the victim and Ramsden were in the public gallery during the hearing.

Ramsden was remanded in custody and is due to appear next at Manchester Crown Court on July 23 for a preliminary hearing.