JUDGE Henry Kershaw, Bolton's senior judge until his retirement in 1992, died yesterday at the age of 68.

Judge Kershaw's death was announced at an assembly of judges, counsel, police and court staff at Bolton Crown Court this morning.

Judge Michael Lever QC, Judge Kershaw's successor as senior judge at the Crown Court, described Judge Kershaw as "a loyal colleague, firm but kind".

And he said the cliche that judges were out of touch with everyday life certainly did not apply to Judge Kershaw. He recalled that, as a young man, Judge Kershaw had served in the ranks in the Royal Navy and at one time had been "the best scrum half in the North-west".

Judge Kershaw was dubbed "the sporting judge", retaining an active interest in a a host of sports - particularly golf and skiing - all his life.

Judge Lever said Judge Kershaw, who lived in Lostock, was also a highly talented painter in oils.

Judge Lever described Judge Kershaw as "a family man par excellence".

He leaves his wife Daphne, four sons, and eight grandchildren.

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