MEMBERS of Bury and Elton Swimming Club are mourning the death of their president and honorary life member, Mr Jack Dighton.

The 81-year-old, who was chief photographer with the Bury Times and Bolton Evening News, died on Sunday (June 3) after suffering a heart attack.

Only three days earlier, he had been released from Bury General Hospital after being treated for heart problems.

Mr Dighton, who lived in Booth Way, Tottington, leaves a widow, Hilda, and a son, Michael.

He had served the swimming club for more than 40 years and next month was due to travel to London to be awarded a medal by The Royal Lifesaving Society.

Mr Dighton was educated locally and in 1934 at the age of 15 joined the BT as a trainee photographer. After rising to the rank of chief photographer, he left to join the Bolton Evening News in 1950. He was chief photographer there for 12 years before retiring at the age of 63 in 1983.

Away from work, his passion was swimming. Mrs Dighton said: "His link began when he took our son to the baths when he was a young boy. As our son grew, Jack just kept on going.

"He got medals for lifesaving and then taught lifesaving for many years."

Mr Dighton served as club chairman for many years before becoming president around five years ago.

Some years ago, in recognition of his service to the organisation, the club awarded him honorary life membership.

He continued to be active within the club up until a year ago when eyesight problems and his frail health began to take their toll.

Club chairman, Mr Frank Philbin. said: "Jack hadn't been too well recently and his death is a sad loss to the club.

"To be truthful, people like Jack cannot be replaced. People come along as long as their young children are swimming but after that they go away. But Jack served our club for many years."

He added: "Jack continued to be involved in the club until around a year ago. Previously, he had played a big part in our centenary celebrations in 1993.

"It's a very sad loss for our club and I know he will be greatly missed."

The funeral service will take place at 2pm on Monday (June 11) at Overdale Crematorium.