A FARNWORTH man who quit teaching to carve out a successful career as a music reviewer was killed alongside his pal, Matthew Harding, in the horrific Cheshire helicopter crash.

And another Bolton man only survived because there was no room for him on the ill-fated aircraft. John Bauldie, 47, swapped the classroom for a life rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. He became Britain's top expert on rock star Bob Dylan and last year nearly won a grammy award - the music industry's Oscar.

Despite his friendships with stars including Dylan, Paul McCartney and rock legend Rolling Stone Keith Richards, the ex Farnworth Grammar School pupil, never lost touch with his roots. He kept in touch with his childhood pals and remained up until his death a fanatical Bolton Wanderers fan. Mr Bauldie left Bolton to embark on his new career in the 1970s but once a fortnight during the football season he would make his pilgrimage "north" with fellow Bolton Wanderers fan Barry Swift. Both men were born and bred in Bolton and were close friends throughout their lives.

The two friends would travel up to Bolton from Mr Swift's Northampton home. But on Tuesday Mr Swift travelled up to Bolton alone - because there was no spare seat available for him on the Chelsea vice chairman's hired helicopter.

Mr Swift only realised his friend had died when he woke at 4am yesterday and heard of the helicopter crash on the news. He then telephoned other friends in Bolton. Mr Bauldie formerly lived in Harper Green Road with his parents who died several years ago. Both his parents were season ticket holders for years at Burnden Park.

On leaving school he took an English degree at Leeds before going to a teacher training college. He then became a lecturer in English Literature at Bury Technical College.

But after six years in teaching he decided he needed to spread his wings and opted for a new career as a freelance journalist.

His friendship with Matthew Harding began because of their shared love for Dylan's music.

Mr Bauldie's death has stunned his friends in Bolton. Police officer Stuart Hodgson, a friend since school days, said: "John was a great bloke and a good friend. He met the famous but was never big headed about it."

Another close friend 44-year-old Graham Brandwood said: "John and Matthew were walking to the ground. I asked John were he had landed and he told me Warburtons. He seemed very cheerful and was obviously looking forward to the game. Then he disappeared into the executive suite."

Mr Brandwood added: "We're devastated by his death."

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