A Bolton-born actor has paid tribute to a colleague who he starred in Emmerdale alongside following his death.

Steve Halliwell, who died aged 77 this week, was a familiar face to many for his role as Zak Dingle on the ITV Soap set in a rural fictional village.

With his signature hat he had been in the role as head of the Dingle family since 1994.

Bolton man Mark Charnock has played chef Marlon Dingle on the soap since 1996. His character is the nephew of Zac Dingle.

Following the death of Halliwell, from Bury, Charnock paid tribute to the giant of the TV soap.

He said: "Hard to put into words what he meant to us all.

"From day one, he welcomed me with open arms.

"Endless chats about the nature of the world.

"Endless hilarity. So many funny stories. He was so talented: actor, writer,, drummer; artist; philosopher.

"But more than that - he was so loved."

Mr Charnock was last year praised by a charity for his portrayal of a character who had suffered a stroke.

Previously he has said he always considered Bolton his home.