THE funeral of the popular poet Hovis Presley will take place on Friday.

The 44-year-old poet, known as the "bard of Skagen Court", was being treated for a chest infection at the Royal Bolton Hospital when he died earlier this month.

Critically acclaimed Hovis, real name Richard McFarlane, was a champion of live poetry and comedy and regularly appeared on stage in Bolton and throughout the North-west.

His funeral will take place from noon at St Osmund's Roman Catholic Church, Long Lane, followed by a service at Overdale Crematorium, Chorley New Road.

The Howcroft Inn, Pool Street, will offer mourners sandwiches from 1.30pm and a buffet at 2.45pm.

Children are welcome but the family have requested no flowers.

Donations for the Hovis Presley Memorial Trust should be made payable to: Hardman McManus Funeral Service, 117 St George's Road, Bolton, BL1 2BY.

A Night for Hovis, Johnny Vegas and Friends, which was scheduled to take place at the Albert Halls, Bolton, on July 11 has been cancelled.