TRIBUTES have been paid to 'happy and cheerful' Accrington Market trader labelled 'a legend' by his friends.

Maneer Siddiq, who ran Mani Mobiles and Electronicals for around 25 years, lost his battle with lymphoma cancer on Thursday, January 21.

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Mr Siddiq, 45, who was known to his friends as 'Mani,' was well loved by his fellow traders and customers.

His brother Shabir, a management and training consultant, said: "He was loved by so many, not only his friends and family, but also his customers.

"He was extremely brave and so many people have sent their condolences.

"He always had a laugh and will be missed by everyone."

County Cllr Munsif Dad said: "I was so sad to hear of the news as I knew Maneer really well.

"I grew up with him and some other market traders.

"He used to attend the community centre regularly and we always used to bump into each other and have a giggle.

"He always gave his time to people and my condolences go out to his family at this sad time."

AS well as his brother, Mr Siddiq, who lived in Accrington, leaves his wife Shazia, sisters Nusrat Siddiq, Kauser Kazi, Farhat Ul-Haq and his nephews and nieces.

Javed Raza, close friend and menswear stall owner, said: "He was an absolute legend.

"He never judged anybody and always listened to people.

"He was like my brother and I knew him since he was a kid.

"He was a brilliant and cheerful person and was never in a bad mood."

As a sign of respect Mr Siddiq's stall has been closed since his death.

Tony Heaton, who owns a socks and underwear stall, said: "He was my twin and I always used to call him 'Paj'.

"We love and miss him dearly and he was such a great bloke."

Ladieswear trader, Norbert Variyam, said: "He was one of the happiest people I knew and it wont be the same.

"He was good to everybody and always kept smiling."

Newspaper shop trader, Masood Ahmed said: "I only met him once before he got ill and I can honestly say that he was such a nice person.

"He touched many people's hearts."

The funeral took place at Raza Jamia Masjid in Accrington and Maneer was buried at Pleasington Cemetery in Blackburn.