ONE of Bolton’s best known travelling showmen has died, aged 67.

Laurence Hill was born at the fair, in Moor Lane, in 1942. He spent the rest of his life travelling with fairs across Lancashire, devoting himself to the life he loved.

He was a popular and well-known character across the North West, at fairs in Bolton, Blackburn, Burnley and Blackpool.

Laurence retired 15 years ago after suffering several heart attacks. He later suffered a stroke.

But he still stayed involved, travelling to fairs and offering his help and advice where he could.

He died suddenly on Monday after suffering another heart attack.

His wife, Patricia, aged 59, said: “He was a great husband, a great father and he lived for his grandchildren.

“He was really friendly and would talk to everyone. He was well known in a lot of the pubs in Bolton. He was a well loved character.”

Laurence was on the committee for the Showman’s Guild for 38 years and was a well respected figure in the world of travelling fairs.

He was also a world record holder — for downing a yard of ale, or two-and-a-half pints — in just six-and-a-half seconds.

His son, Laurence John Hill, aged 27, said: “He’s my hero and he taught me everything I know — welding, woodwork, joinery, how to be an electrician.

“He made me what I am today. He has another grandson on the way and we will name him after my dad.”

Laurence leaves two other children, Laurissa, aged 29, and Kyle, aged 21, four granddaughters and a grandson. His nephew is the well-known showman, Henry Hill.

More than 400 friends and family are expected to say goodbye to Laurence at his funeral next Tuesday.

The funeral cortege will leave Hardman McManus Funeral Service, in St George’s Road, Bolton, at 1.30pm, and will arrive at Blakeley Crematorium, in Victoria Avenue, Blakeley, Manchester, at 2.30pm.

Drinkers at The Wellington, in Bury New Road, Bolton, where Laurence was a regular, will raise a glass to the showman on Tuesday evening.

steven.thompson@theboltonnews.co.uk