Staff at a tearoom have paid tribute to their chef of more than 13 years after he died following a lung cancer diagnosis.

Brian Turner died on December 11 after a short battle with lung cancer.

He worked for 13 years as a chef at the popular Village Green Tea Rooms and was known for making pies, quiche, and the ‘Brian special’ BLT with mayonnaise, as well as organising the tearoom’s Christmas dinners.

Co-owner of the tearoom, Jade Tolen said: “Brain worked here for 13 years, he was part of the furniture.

“He was a good guy and would do absolutely anything for anybody.

The Bolton News: Brian Turner

“He would always say that it never felt like he was coming to work as it never felt like work for him.”

Brian became ill in October and had called Jade to tell her he was too ill to come to work one day, which was unusual for Brian.

Jade had insisted Brian go to the hospital where, after doing tests, he was diagnosed with lung cancer which had already spread to his brain.

Jade said: “It was such a shock to us all because Brian had not complained of feeling ill to anyone.

“His wife died earlier in the year and he still came in; he was such a strong man.

“I feel sorry for his kids because they have lost both a mum and a dad in one year and that is so terrible for them.”

Brian will not be forgotten at the tearoom with ‘Brian’s BLT’ now a permanent menu fixture.

At the tearoom’s gardens, Brian will also be receiving his very own plaque alongside his wife, and a funding page has also been set up to raise money for a memorial bench outside.

Jade said: “It is very sad, and Brian was so friendly with every customer, and they all loved him.

“Brain always said it felt like home here and it was home for him.”

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