A MAN well-known for his political and voluntary work throughout the community has died at the age of 73.

Mr Bernard Howcroft collapsed at his home in Brookdene Road, Unsworth, on Sunday, a fortnight after being released from hospital. He was the husband of ex-Bury councillor and mayoress Mrs Jean Howcroft. He also leaves a married son.

Mr Howcroft, who always referred to himself as a Besses lad, initially attended Higher Lane Infants in Whitefield and later Stand Grammar. In June, he attended a reunion involving former pupils of Higher Lane.

He worked for the Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) for more than 44 years and was a professional librarian and manager of the CWSs library and information unit in Balloon Street, Manchester before retiring in 1993.

Later, Mr Howcroft used his considerable knowledge of his former employers to give talks on the Co-Op to various bodies. He donated the proceeds to Whitefield Blind Aid.

He was a valued member of the Prestwich and Whitefield Probus Club for more than ten years during which he regularly contributed reports of its meetings to the Guide, and he was a member of the Bury Lions for a decade.

Mr Howcroft was also well known in local political circles and along with his wife was an honorary member of the Labour Party which the couple joined more than 50 years ago. Infact, it was through politics that they originally met in 1952.

He was also an active member of the Town Twinning Association and was its archive officer. Mr Howcroft also served as a magistrate for ten years before resigning over a matter of principle. No funeral details have been announced as yet.