A MAN plunged to his death from a garage roof as he tried to cut a tall hedge for a neighbour.

Mr Fred Ashworth aged 65 of Rivington Lane, was found by two people who were out brambling, lying near the garage of Chapel House in the village where he had been doing some gardening for the owner.

Dr Irwin Delamore who lives next door at Fishers Cottage was called but Mr Ashworth who suffered head injuries was already dead when the doctor arrived.

Mr Ashworth who was a bachelor, belonged to one of the oldest families in the village and was well known in the community. He used to do gardening each week for both Dr Delamore and his neighbour. No-one witnessed the incident but it is thought that Mr Ashworth fell from the roof of the garage while trying to cut a hedge.

A post mortem is expected to be carried out today.

Mr Ashworth's shocked neighbours described him as a good friend and neighbour who will be missed by everyone in the village. Mr Ashworth's funeral will take place next Monday at Rivington Parish Church.

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