A WELL-known Bury businessman, who combined his engineering expertise with his love of the sporting life, has retired.

Although he is no longer at the helm of local firm Peter Brotherhood, 64-year-old Murray Birnie will continue to operate his private company which raises thousands of pounds for sports-related causes.

The father-of-three has retired from his post as general manager of the successful paper machinery division of Peter Brotherhood in Heap Bridge.

The retirement will enable him to concentrate fully on running Murray Birnie Enterprises which specialises in sports fund-raising activities. He is vice-chairman of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Murray joined Charlie Walmsleys in the town in 1953 as an apprentice draughtsman. He later moved to Gigg Lane Paper Mill and became assistant mill manager. In 1983 he joined Peter Brotherhood.

As a footballer, Murray played for Blackford Bridge in the Bury Amateur League and Macclesfield before joining Bury FC. He enjoyed A team football in the Lancashire League.

Murray's fantastic fund raising abilities were recognised in the 1970s and harnessed by Lancashire County Cricket Club in a series of benefits for Old Trafford favourites. In 1978, he was chairman of David Lloyd's committee and stunned everyone in cricket by raising £42,000.

And the1980 beneficiary Jack Simmons received a world record cheque for £128,000 from Murray's committee.

Said Murray: "Although I've retired, I will concentrate on the running of my private company which raises nearly half a million pounds a year."