A WELL-known businessman has died after a long illness, aged 81.

Bolton-born Jack Whittaker, who lived in Barrow Bridge, was a qualified shoe-maker who learned the trade from his father, Percy.

He founded Whittakers Shoemakers in St Georges Road, Bolton in 1952 and moved to the present premises in Deansgate in 1970, working there until he retired through ill-health six years ago.

During the Second World War Mr Whittaker worked on the infamous Burma-Siam railway as a Japanese prisoner of war.

He leaves his wife Vera, son John and two daughters who continue to run the business, Mrs Diane Pepper and Mrs Judith Firth.