A FORMER president of the Bolton Historical Society and keen singer has died at the age of 77.

David Clayton was well known throughout Bolton and Horwich as a historian who lectured and wrote a books on the history of the Heyward School before it became Essa Academy, and as a member of the Brixi Singers.

Born in Horwich in 1937, he lived in Bolton for a time before moving to the village of Anderton, and attended Bolton School.

After graduating from Merton College, Oxford, where he read history, he returned to Lancashire and became a teacher in Burnley.

He was the headteacher of Habergham High School for 17 years, living in Brinscal near Chorley, before retiring in 2001.

After suffering a stroke, Mr Clayton was cared for in Astley Grange Nursing Home in Blackburn Road, until he died on Thursday night.

Family friend Richard Fairclough paid tribute to Mr Clayton as a man who loved history and music.

“He was very much known locally, and he was always invited to give history lectures on areas of local interest”, he said.

“He was a real scholar, very highly regarded, and also a fine singer both as a soloist and in the choir.

“We knew each other when we were boys.

“He was a bit older than me and used to visit his grandparents in Horwich who lived next door to my family.

“We became good friends years later through our shared interest in music.

“He dedicated his life to the school and also contributing to the cultural life around Bolton.”

Details of the funeral have not yet been finalised.