FORMER stock car racing ace Harry "Tiger" Holt has died at the age of 79.

The former landlord of the Stopes Tavern in Radcliffe died peacefully in hospital on Christmas Eve.

Harry, of Ladyshore Road, Little Lever, was well known throughout Britain through his successes in stock car racing, which took him up and down the country and earned him the nickname "Tiger". Between races and managing his Stopes Garage, Harry ran the nearby Stopes Tavern for about 20 years.

His wife Betty said: "Harry was well known in the racing business. He was one of the founders of the sport over here."

She added: "He was very well known and always ready to help everyone - he couldn't even turn away a carol singer."

As well as Betty, Harry is survived by son Michael - also a former top stock car racer - and granddaughters Emma and Lindsey.

A funeral service and interment will take place on Monday at 1pm at St Matthew's Church, Little Lever.

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