A WONDERFUL man who was generous to a fault, that is how friends and family described Donald Clarke on Tuesday as they gathered to say a final farewell to the former Bolton mayor and co-founder of the Smithills Coaching House.

He died in his sleep on Friday, March 11, at the age of 73. Around 200 people, including the current mayor Cllr Prentice Howarth, attended a service at Christ Church, Heaton.

Mr Clarke's wife Margaret broke down in tears as she remembered her husband to the congregation.

She said: "I am proud to be his wife because he was a brilliant person. I loved him truly and I miss him so much."

Former council leader and long term friend, Cllr Bob Howarth, said that Mr Clarke would be remembered by a great many people. He added: "Donald was just a lovely man who was generous to a fault and involved in so many groups."

Mr Clarke, of Regent Road, Bolton, was said to have slowed down in his later years after having a heart attack and he also suffered from Parkinson's Disease.

He was born one of triplets and followed his father Alderman Ellis Clarke into the council chamber and his brother Alderman Alan Clarke also served as a borough councillor before his death a few years ago. Mr Clarke was the mayor of Bolton during the Silver Jubilee year of 1977 and also sat on the council's arts, housing and planning and main management and finance committees.

He entered local Government in 1964 and served as a councillor for the council's central and west wards until 1983.

The former Bolton school pupil also worked for a number of local organisations and charities including the Scouts, Mencap and Bolton Little Theatre, a number of which were represented at the service. Donations will be given to the Bolton Parkinson's Disease Society.

Mr Clarke's nephew Nigel Clarke said: "Uncle Donald was quite small but he was a big man in terms of heart and determination and without those qualities he wouldn't have been so successful."

Mr Clarke was cremated at Overdale Crematorium after the funeral service.