FRIENDS, family and fans gathered to pay their respects at the funeral of three-times world snooker champion, John Spencer.

More than 250 mourners packed into Overdale Crematorium to celebrate the life and achievements of the Bolton snooker star, who died, aged 70, at Bury Hospice on 11 July after a three-year battle with stomach cancer.

The service, held yesterday, was conducted by the Rev John Taylor who paid tribute to "the local lad who did so much for Bolton".

Former snooker rival and world champion, Canadian Cliff Thorburn, sent his apologies for not being able to attend the service, but in a letter read out to the congregation he referred to John as the "snooker players' player"

He added: "John had a great personality to go with his great ability and he helped me learn how to cope with life on the road.

"I remember going to his house once and asking to see his trophies. He opened a cupboard and there they all were, packed away in cardboard boxes. For John, friendship was based on who you were on the inside not on the things you had.

"He was just so much fun to be around. I say goodbye with a very sad heart but with a smile on my face."

Family friend Roger Lee, who knew John for 30 years gave the eulogy and spoke of a modest, charming man with a wicked sense of humour and a fondness for practical jokes and horse racing.

Mr Lee said: "The world is a sadder place without Gentleman John' but I know he would want us all to leave here today with a smile. God bless you Spence."

John, of Tipton Close, Radcliffe, won the world title at his first attempt in 1969 then took it again 18 months later, and repeated the feat in 1977, the first year the championship was staged at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

His career and life were shattered on May 9, 1985, when he woke up with double vision, quickly diagnosed as Myasthenia Gravis, the disease which, in his case, had caused a deterioration of his eye muscles.

He worked as a BBC television commentator and was, from 1990 to 1996, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

He discovered he had cancer in 2003, but 12 months ago he declined further treatment saying: "Even if I only have another 12 months left to live, at least I'll die happy."

He remained, as he had been for 20 years, a dedicated fundraiser for the Myasthenia Gravis Association. Last year he published his autobiography, Out of the Blue, Into the Black.

He is survived by his wife Margot, with whom he remained on friendly terms after their separation, and Jean Shepherd, his partner of 15 years.

His family have asked for donations to be made to Bury Hospice and the Myasthenia Gravis Association.