TRIBUTES were paid to former mayor and restauratuer Donald Clarke who has died aged 73.

Donald, of Regent Road, Bolton, died in his sleep on Friday from natural causes but had suffered from Parkinson's Disease for a number of years.

The leader of the Bolton Labour group, Cllr Cliff Morris, led the tributes to Mr Clarke saying his death marked the end of the Clarke dynasty on Bolton Council.

Mr Clarke, who was one of triplets, followed his father Alderman Ellis Clarke into the council chamber and his brother Alderman Alan Clarke also served as a borough councillor before his death a few years ago.

Cllr Morris said: "Donald was a wonderful servant to Bolton, especially to the arts, and he was heavily involved when the Octagon was built.

"He was a real Labour man who attended meetings right up until the end. Donald loved Bolton and was looking forward to Wanderers' FA Cup tie with Arsenal when he passed away.

"He will be sadly missed."

Mr Clarke served as the mayor of Bolton during the Silver Jubilee year of 1977 and also sat on the council's arts, housing, planning and main management and finance committees.

He entered local government in 1964 and served as a councillor for the council's central and west wards until 1983.

Mr Clarke, who leaves a wife, Margaret, was also a well-known businessman who co-owned the Smithills Coaching house.

The former Bolton School pupil was also a part-owner of the former Knowsley Street restaurant the Lamplighter and former director of Percivals the caterers.

He was also a scout leader at Christ Chuch, Heaton, who studied catering at Westminster College.

His wife Margaret described him as a kind man who was "generous to a fault.

She said: "He loved life and enjoyed it to the full."

His funeral will be held at Christ Church in Heaton on Tuesday before the cremation at Overdale. A reception will then be held at Smithills Coachouse.