HE was an RAF war hero who risked his life for his country in the Second World War.

Yesterday, Pilot Officer Ronald Peters was laid to rest after a long and distinguished life.

At the service, grandson, Max Flanigan, read a moving tribute to his grandfather.

He said: “He loved his family with pride and his friends with joy. He always made sure his family were looked after.

“He was upright, dependable, reliable and supportive. But what stood out most was his smile, his humour and his good nature.”

Friends and family gathered at Overdale Crematorium to pay their final respects before returning to the Bradshaw Conservative Club to raise a glass of Ronnie’s Reward — a special beer brewed in his honour — to his memory.

Conservative Club chairman Dave Robson said: “I will say what I always used to say to him. I’ll see you later Ron.

“He was a small man in stature but a huge man in character and personality.

“He will be truly missed. The beer is our tribute to a lost member.”

Mr Peters’ daughter, Christine Flanigan, said: “It’s a lovely gesture because my dad was part of this establishment.

“I’m really moved by the number of people here today — he had such a big family of friends.”

Mr Peters, aged 88, was in Menorca with four friends when he suffered a heart attack at their villa on the last day of their break.

His family were left with a huge bill after his insurance company refused to pay to bring him home.

Monarch Airlines, with whom Mr Peters flew to Menorca, stepped in to provide the flight home but the family still faces a £3,000 bill for international funeral directors’ services.

The Conservative club is now considering setting up a collection to help pay some of the costs and the RAF benevolent fund has also been contacted.

Mr Peters enlisted in the RAF as an 18-year-old and was a rear gunner on a Lancaster bomber — one of the most dangerous jobs during the war.

He flew over France and Nazi Germany on raids to help the Allied troops during their push for Berlin.

Every mission was filled with danger as anti-aircraft fire lit up the sky.

He took part in the Normandy campaign in 1944 and was even awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, an honour featured in the Bolton Evening News on June 8, 1944.