Hundreds of residents have shared their memories of a "kind" and "lovely" man who supplied Bolton with ice cream for decades.

In March of this year, Derek Essington – then aged 78 – retired from his job as an ice cream man, following his doctor’s advice to retire.

Better known as "Kandyman" to those who knew him in the borough, Derek had been diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2023 and lived with sciatica.

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However, Derek later went into remission and run the bell at The Christie hospital to mark the end of his treatment.

Derek has now sadly passed away.

Hundreds have shared their memories of Derek on social media.

Sharing the news on Facebook on Tuesday, July 16, Little Lever Cllr Andrea Taylor-Burke said she was feeling "heartbroken".

She posted: “It's [with] such a heavy heart that I post this to let you all know that our beloved Derek has sadly passed away with his loving family by his side, yesterday afternoon.

“There are no words to express how deeply saddening this is for our community and I know there will be many tears shed over this sad news.

“We send Our love to his beautiful wife Marilyn and family at this heartbreaking time.

“We will miss you Derek, sleep well you wonderful man xxx.”

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Hundreds of people reacted to Cllr Taylor-Burke’s social media post, with many choosing to leave a message of their own in remembrance. Subsequently, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds to cover his funeral costs.

Commenter Tracey Mortimer said: “Heartbreaking news.

“Rest in peace Derek you were such a kind man 25 years you have been providing our family with ice-cream, since my eldest son was a baby.

“You will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with all of your family.”

Paul Dawson commented: “Rest in peace Derek, you was a true Little Lever legend x.”

Ian Cole added: “A legend. Our sincere condolences to his Family. Rest in peace Derek.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.