TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented artist and history buff who has died after a long battle with cancer.

Peter Nightingale, aged 73, who was a committed member of Halliwell Local History Society and a keen artist, died at the Royal Bolton Hospital last week.

Mr Nightingale, who lived in Halliwell, was a draughtsman in the architects department at Bolton Town Hall for many years before retiring.

He was a member of the history society for about 20 years.

Cliff Stockton, society chairman, said: “He was at the forefront of everything we did. He was an excellent historian and a very modest man.”

Mr Nightingale would regularly give talks and slide shows. He was also a committee member for a number of years, a duty he gave up earlier this year when he became unwell.

His family said he fought courageously against the cancer. He leaves his wife Kathleen, brother Jack and son Robert. He was also a step-father.

The funeral service will be held at the Overdale Crematorium West Chapel, Chorley New Road, today at 11.30am. Donations in Mr Nightingale’s memory may be made to Halliwell Local History Society.