A PROCESSION of vintage cars was due in Bolton today to mark the death of Bury vehicle enthusiast George Norbury.

George, who died last week aged 71, ran a wedding car service with his partner Patricia Jones from their home on Bury New Road, Whitefield.

He was due to be carried to his funeral in a Rolls Royce Phantom, flanked by a number of other classic old cars.

The pensioner, who had a heart complaint, died peacefully on Monday, November 13, shortly after carrying out some maintenance work to his vehicles.

He had lived in Whitefield since 1929 and had formerly worked at General Engineering in Radcliffe.

The couple had been together for the last 35 years and Patricia will continue to run the vintage car hire business.

She said: "That's what he would have wanted. He made sure all our vehicles were in tip top condition and he loved driving them.

"He was the life and soul of every party. His wit was so quick and spontaneous. We were the first to arrive and last to leave."

George was a member of the Rolls Royce Club, Manchester Vintage Car Club, the Vintage Sports Car Club, and the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain.

He was also associated with the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society and Manchester Civic Society.

His funeral was due to be held at Overdale Crematorium, Chorley New Road, Bolton, at 2pm.