TRIBUTES have been paid to a Clayton-le-Moors army veteran, who died earlier this month aged 91.

Gilbert Ramsbottom, from Springbrook House, died peacefully on Saturday, November 8.

Sarah Barton, from Barton Hallworth Funeral Services said in an obituary: "Known to his friends as Gil, Gilbert was a true gentleman. He was a keen walker and also loved reading. One of the things he enjoyed most was his holidays to Spain, where he would often go for long periods of time, and enjoyed catching up with his many friends he had made there.

"Gilbert will be sadly missed by his very close friends Susan, Danielle, and Oliver, and also his life-long friends Anne and Ann."

Mr Ramsbottom toured India in 1946 as a soldier with the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. He went on to work as a telephone operator for BT until his retirement.

A funeral service was held on Monday, November 17, from 11am, at Accrington Crematorium.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Macmillan Cancer Support, or the Royal British Legion, care of Barton and Haworth Funeral Services in Oswaldtwistle.