A MOTHER has paid a touching tribute to her son who died in a car crash as his funeral takes place today.

Tom Benson, a well-known Horwich publican, died on Saturday, November 6, when his grey Audi crashed into a tree on Lever Park Avenue, Horwich.

He was just 36-years-old.

His mother Lydia said her family was "blessed to have had him in our lives".

Family and friends will pay their respects to Tom, who worked in and ran several pubs and bars in Horwich, at his funeral today .

Lydia, also from Horwich, said: "I would like to thank everyone who has taken time to share their love, support, and memories of Tom at this difficult time.

"It is evident that he was truly respected, a friend to many; supportive and dependable.

"Tom had so much to live for but, in his short life, lived so much.

"We feel blessed to have had him in our lives and will ensure that his two children grow up knowing what a kind, considerate and loving daddy he was."

Tom was well known in Horwich, having run the White Tiger Bar and the Crux Emporium in Lee Lane, and most recently cocktails firm Apotek Class.

Tom, was a passenger in the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while a three-year-old, an eight-year-old and a 31-year-old woman were all taken to hospital.