A GENEROUS benefactor has left nearly £200,000 to his former school, having already donated more than £600,000 during his lifetime.

Clifford Billings, a Second World War veteran and former POW, was a keen sportsman and his latest posthumous donation will help pay for a new pavilion at Bury Grammar School’s sports playing fields at Buckley Wells.

Mr Billings’ previous contributions have been the cornerstone of funding for new sports facilities in recent years, such as the artificial football pitches opened last year.

The money is part of £3.5m estate which is currently being divided up to give to different causes close to Mr Billings.

Executor of Mr Billings’ will and lifelong friend, Derek Calrow, said: “Clifford Billings represented the highest standards of Bury Grammar School and was mindful for the needs of his fellow man.

“He was an unassuming man and had a twinkle in his eye. He did not like to see money wasted.

“Clifford leaves us setting a wonderful example of the best of BGS.

“He played his part in life for his parents, his school, his church, his town and his country.”

Devin Cassidy, head of BGS Boys, said: "The school is hugely indebted to the overwhelming generosity of Clifford Billings to Bury Grammar School.

"Every donation made by Clifford has made an impact, but none more so than his donation to the new sports pitches, which has ensured that BGSB has had the most successful year of sport ever, winning the ISFA and ESFA Cups and the Bury Cup in 2017.

"These fabulous new pitches allow more teams to train intensively and more boys to participate at every level." Mr Cassidy added: "We are also incredibly grateful to Derek Calrow for his support and loyalty. He is a true friend of the school."

Bury Times: ENTHUSIAST: Keen sportsman Clifford Billings playing tennis in his younger years

ENTHUSIAST: Keen sportsman Clifford Billings playing tennis in his younger years

The only child of a shopkeeper in Wellington Street, Bury, Mr Billings had a modest upbringing and his mother died when he was aged four.

He thoroughly enjoyed his years at BGS, leaving aged 16 to join the treasurers department at Bury Corporation before being called up to serve in the Army as a Cromwell tank gunner.

On June 13 1944, close to the village of Villers-Bocage in Normandy, Mr Billings was taken prisoner in a German counter attack and moved across the country in appalling conditions.

In September that year he was taken to Stalag 4B Muhlberg, a large POW camp in East Germany.

Stalag 4B was eventually liberated by the Russians on April 24 1945.

Mr Billings resumed his career with Bury Corporation, completing his career as the borough treasurer of Haslingden.

He made his millions through investment.

A lifelong supporter of Bury FC, Mr Billings was an enthusiastic sportsman playing tennis at Walmer Tennis Club and football for the Old Clavians well into his fifties.

A devout Christian, charity was central to his life, and soon charities such as the Red Cross, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, RNLI, Christies Hospital, Cancer Research, Samaritans and many others will each receive a share of the £3.5m left by Mr Billings in his will.