TRIBUTES have been paid to ‘Mr Huncoat’ who died following a battle with cancer.

Colin Feeley earned his nickname after decades of serving his community. He died peacefully at his Bolton Avenue home on Saturday, aged 67, surrounded by his family.

His widow Gail said: “He was a fantastic husband, a fantastic father, and a fantastic friend to everybody. He adored the children of Huncoat and would have done anything for them.”

A Labour councillor in the town in the 80s and early 90s, he was heavily involved with Huncoat FC, Huncoat Forum, and was instrumental in launching a youth club there in 1984.

He worked as a nurse at Calderstones Hospital for his entire career.

He left four children — Mark, Debbie, Michelle, and Colin — and enjoyed life with his 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In 2002, he carried the Queen’s Jubilee baton in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Friend Steve Lee, who helped run the youth club, said: “It had closed years before but Colin was instrumental in getting it back up and running again.

“He was always willing to help in any circumstances. He liked to help young people but he also organised Christmas parties for older people too..”

Tributes were also paid online. His sister Marianne James said: “I have loads and loads of great memories, too many to mention. Even in those long ago childhood days he was very caring and ready to help anyone who needed it. He even saved my life when I fell through the ice and I was drowning.

“He has been a fantastic brother and also my best friend who I love with all my heart, and Huncoat would have been a sadder place without him.”

His daughter Michelle Denwood said: “He certainly was Mr Huncoat. He loved Huncoat and everyone that lived in it. He always used to say they were his extended family.”

A funeral service will take place at Accrington Crematorium on Tuesday from 3pm. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Derian House Children’s Hospice online at www.champfunerals.com/obituaries