A BUSKER, songwriter and poet well known in Bolton has died in hospital after an illness.

John Gilroy, who was known locally as John Jellyhead, was a popular character on the town's acoustic music scene.

He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital from his home in Castle Street, The Haulgh, on Friday where he died, aged 46.

John was one of the most recognisable street performers in the town, and was mainly seen strumming his guitar in the passageway between Newport Street and Howell Croft.

But he was best known to regular attenders of the acoustic sessions in the Man and Scythe pub in Churchgate on Saturday evenings.

He also started and hosted poetry sessions in the pub.

His long term partner was Lynn Collier, a singer, with whom he performed under the title "The Jellyheads" with Irish drummer Tony Devlin.

Lynn said: "He was a wonderful big hearted person who had a kind word for everyone. He was loved by so many people and he loved them in return.

"Many people may not have known him by name, but they will remember the busker in the passageway."

John will be buried in his native Brixton, London, with his father.

A special celebration of his life and influence will take place on Sunday in the Man and Scythe starting at 3pm. Organisers are encouraging anyone attending to bring a contribution to the buffet to the event.