THE Bolton News has opened a book of condolence to a much-loved community champion.

Peter Jones died aged 68 after suffering a medical episode while driving alongside his wife on the A590 in Cumbria last Saturday.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene. And since then, hundreds have paid tribute to the ex-fireman who spent large chunks of time giving back to his community.

Family and friends have sent in their tributes online and some of the messages are below

Community answers

BOOK OF CONDOLENCE - Peter Jones

"The Bolton News have set up a book of condolence for family and friends to leave their tributes to Peter Jones who has been described as having a 'heart of gold'. Peter Jones died aged 68 after suffering a medical episode while driving alongside his wife on the A590 in Cumbria last Saturday. We will be publishing responses online."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Pauline Young JP

Tell us your namePauline Young, JP

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Peter was my mentor as a trainee magistrate in 2005. He was kind, funny and a great gentle bear of a man for me to look up to and try to emulate on the Bolton bench. It soon became apparent that everyone respected Peter in the Bolton magistracy and I became very fond of him over the ten years that I served with him. I will always have very happy memories of Peter and I wish his wife Marion, and all his family most sincere condolences at this sad time.

From Inayat Omarjj

Tell us your nameInayat Omarji

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...It was sad to hear about the passing of Peter. It was only recently he was supporting a local organisation on fire risk assessment matters and sharing his valuable advice and guidance. Have some very fond memories of discussions we used to have over the years that I knew him. Thinking and praying for peace and comfort and our heart-felt condolence. Today and always, may loving memories bring the family and friends peace, comfort and strength.

From Gerald Guest

Tell us your nameGinger Guest

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Sad sad day, knew Peter well . He always helped others, Will be sadly missed

From Angela Kelly

Tell us your nameAngela Kelly

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. I served with Peter on the Board of Fortalice where he was not only unfailingly helpful to the staff but also supportive to his colleagues. Always empathetic, always good fun with a funny story and a smile - he will be missed by everyone he met and helped. He leaves a legacy of care that changed people’s lives.

From Alan Wilkinson

Tell us your nameAlan Wilkinson

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...A true Gentleman, never a bad word about others. I sat on the Magistrates Bench with Peter, he was always fair minded and unbiased in any decision. I also met him in Rotary and always had a smile for everyone. Condolences to all his family, Peter will never be forgotten by everyone who met him

From Gary Dewar

Tell us your nameGary Dewar

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Sincere condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace Pete. It was always a pleasure to work with you as a fellow Fire Officer.

From Wayne Guffogg

Tell us your nameWayne Guffogg

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...A true gentleman who I had the pleasure of working with inside the fire service and outside when Pete was involved in community work RIP Pete

From Patrick Dyer

Tell us your namePatrick Dyer

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...I was very shocked about this bad news. I knew Peter through Freemasonry, he was a light, a guide and friend to all who met him. My deepest sympathies go to his family and close one's at this time.

From Alan Smith

Tell us your nameAlan Smith

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...I first met Peter as his accountant when he started his business with Marian and then later through various Rotary matters especially Ironkids where he was heavily involved. He was a good person to be with and always had a smile, his enthusiasm was infectious and I will miss meeting up with him. I send my condolences to all his family and I know he will be greatly missed by all.

From Steven Carey

Tell us your nameSteve Carey

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Marie and I were so sad to hear the news about Pete. He was a good friend and work colleague, he was just a great guy. RIP Pete you will be missed by all who knew you.

From Simon Parkinson-Jones

Tell us your nameSimon Parkinson-Jones

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...So sorry to hear this terrible news. Peter was a real character in the Fire Service and much respected by close colleagues and friends. He was always someone who could find the humour in every situation. Deepest condolences to family.

From Nicola ward

Tell us your nameNicky

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Such a lovely guy. An inspiration and will be sadly missed by many who knew him. RIP Peter

From Scott Gray

Tell us your nameScott Gray

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Peter was a lovely man with an amazing heart. He will missed by everyone who ever met him. It was an honour to of known him. Rest in peace you true gentleman. My heart is with his lovely with Marion at this sad time.

From Christopher Wormald

Tell us your nameChris Wormald

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Peter was the loveliest man. We first met at the Bolton News 'Bolton Man Of The Year Awards' in 2001 at the Reebok Stadium when we were both nominated finalists and found ourselves seated at the same table. We had never met before. I had taken my 75 year old mother to the awards and Peter was incredible with her, she absolutely adored him straight away, his manner and his personality. Peter and I have seen each other annually ever since - he performed every Christmas with me and with my Smithills and Eagley Brass Bands for charity. I cannot believe he has passed away. I am so very sad and very sorry for his family. He was the most gentle of men.

From anthony pokrzywnicki

Tell us your nameAnthony and Julie Pokrzywnicki

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Will always be thinking off all the good times and help you give to us Condolences to all the family Thinking about you all

From Community contributor

Tell us your nameNila Fernando

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Peter was a jolly person, we always had a good laugh whenever we met. Please accept my sincere condolences, I'll miss seeing him at Rotary events and at Wingates.

From Jill Kettle

Tell us your nameJill Kettle

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...Such a wonderful gentleman, amazing family man and adored by everyone he met. I loved listening to his stories and he always made me smile x

From JULIE MERRITT

Tell us your nameJulie Merritt

Please leave your tribute and memories of Peter and messages to the family...I had the pleasure of working with Peter when he worked at the Royal Bolton Hospital where he was a valuable member of the Health and Safety/Fire team. Always wore a big smile and appreciated everything you did, he will be missed by everyone who knew him and my heart goes out to his family at this very sad time.