A BOLTON doctor who pioneered cancer research has died aged 85.

Dr Philip Silver became a well-known figure in the town thanks to his research into the illness which he started as a hobby in the 1960s, when only a handful of medics were involved in such work.

He was born in Exeter and graduated from Guy's Hospital in 1939, before working as a medical officer in Grimsby during the early years of the Second World War.

The father-of-three, who lived in Bromley Cross for more than 40 years, was also a consultant venerealogist.

He took up his post at Bolton's clinic for sexually transmitted diseases in 1948 and, for the next 30 years, worked hard to change people's attitudes to the illness.

Dr Silver, who had five grandchildren, championed health education in the town and was the first person to go into schools and talk to young people about venereal disease.

In 1950, he introduced the ante-natal blood test for Bolton's pregnant women to ensure they did not pass syphilis on to their babies.

He set-up a cancer clinic in Wigan in the late 1960s at his own expense and helped hundreds of people suffering from the illness.

Dr Silver was also responsible for much of the work in establishing Wigan Hospice and laid its foundation stone.

He retired from the NHS aged 75 but continued his research work into cancer treatment for several more years.

Dr Silver was busy outside the medical profession and was Chairman of Bolton School Boys' Division Parents Association when his sons were there and was also an active member of the Bolton School Scout Troop.

His wife Margery died in 1995 and Dr Silver moved into Park View Nursing Home in Heaton last year.

His son, James, said: "I am proud of his work.

"I took it all for granted growing-up, but now I look back on his life, he did an awful lot.''

Dr Silver's funeral was held today at Overdale Crematorium.