A POPULAR florist who moved to Gambia two years ago to enjoy his retirement died after contracting malaria.

Philip Godfroy was being treated for malaria but died from a heart attack less than a week later.

The 57-year-old's death on November 14, has shocked his friends and family in Westhoughton where he had run Phil's Florist, on Market Street.

And ahead of a memorial service on Sunday, his family paid tribute to his "loving, generous personality".

His aunt, Brenda Winnard, said: "We were devastated by the news. When he died, he and his partner John were just one week away from moving into their dream home they had specially built.

"He was such a kind man, would make time for anyone. He was very well known because of his business.

"So many people have been in touch to express their sympathy. We're expecting a good turn out for his memorial."

Mr Godfroy was a former Rivington High School pupil and lived on The Avenue, Westhoughton, for 20 years before he emigrated to West Africa.

Mr Godfroy's cousin, Andrea Winnard, aged 38, who lives with mum Brenda and dad John in Mancroft Avenue, Bolton described him as a fun-loving man who enjoyed a joke.

"He was such good fun to be with," she said.

"As well as his shop in Westhoughton he had one in Chorley and taught my sister Diane how to be a florist.

"He was a successful businessman who worked very hard, he deserved all his success."

Mr Godfroy was buried in the Gambia. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, at St John's Church, Wingates, starting at 2pm.