A MEMORIAL to a Nelson hairdressing teacher who trained generations in the trade has been unveiled at a care home where he spent his final days.

Having welcomed many hundreds to his salon chair over a 28-year career at Nelson and Colne College, his family said it was very fitting that the late John Eaton is to be commemorated with some special seating.

His twin brother Chris and sister-in-law Nina, from Kiddrow Lane, Burnley used some of the £1,170 donated by his friends to buy a bench in his name.

It has been placed on the balcony of the nursing floor at Nelson Manor,Barkerhouse Road, where John loved to sit to enjoy the garden views.

Mr Eaton died in May, aged 63.

He had earlier suffered a brain haemorrhage and was in a coma for some weeks.

His family were preparing to turn his life-support machine off when to the amazement of his doctors he began to recover.

After staying in a series of care homes he settled in the newly built Nelson Manor, and was delighted to be back in his adopted home town.

Nelson Manor Manager Janine Kelly said: “Despite serious health issues, John was the life and soul of the place during his time with us.

“His room was on the nursing floor, but he socialised throughout the building and was often in reception to greet visitors.

“He was full of enthusiastic ideas for how we could grow and develop Nelson Manor, never losing his creative touch or his passion for passing on skills.”

John’s family presented the bench during a celebration of John’s time at the home on Wednesday.

The remaining money collected is to be donated to the NW Air Ambulance service.