MEMBERS of the Royal Navy paid respects yesterday to one of Atherton's naval heroes.
Albert Harding was one of the founder members of Atherton White Ensign Association.
He was one of only three surviving founder members until his death last week, aged 76, after a long illness.
Mr Harding, a former chief petty officer in the engine rooms, served during the Second World War with distinction and was awarded for his bravery.
A naval guard of honour was present at his funeral.
The service was at St Richard's RC Church on Mayfield Street, Atherton, which was conducted by both the Catholic priest and the Church of England vicar, the Rev Dr Bill Baldwin, a friend of Mr Harding.
An association spokesman said: "Mr Harding was respected and very well thought of within naval circles.
"He had been ill for a short while and when in hospital, just before his death, he was visited by naval officer Lieut Brian Ferrand of the Royal Navy."
Mr Harding had also been a former president of the White Ensign Association. He leaves three sons, one daughter and grandchildren.
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