A FAMILY has paid tribute to a 'gentleman who would do anything for anyone'.

Peter Hutchinson, nicknamed Patio Pete, was known for his work in the mills and at various public houses across Bury.

The grandfather-of-four, who was born and bred in the borough, died aged 67 on May 24 after battling lung cancer.

Many people attended his funeral on Wednesday and helped fulfil his final act of goodwill by contributing to his 'Buy Pete a Pint' fund in aid of Bury Hospice.

Friends and family are organising an all-day music event on the East Lancashire Railway in his memory.

Tomorrow, several bands are set to perform at venues across the town in a bid to raise funds for the hospice, where Mr Hutchinson was cared for in his last days.

Friend Sue Cameron, aged 59 from Walmersley, said: "Peter was a real character. He was very outgoing, very friendly. Everyone called him a gentleman.

"He would do anything for anyone. He didn't have much but what he did have, he gave away. Every charitable cause was close to his heart.

"We have received thousands of messages of condolence and kind words in his memory.

"Friends are all rallying round to raise funds for Bury Hospice where he was so amazingly cared for during his last days.

"The hospice relies completely on fundraising activities."

Mr Hutchinson worked at British Rail Bury, Stormseal Double Glazing, Olive's Paper Mill, the East Lancashire Paper Mill, and Strong & Fisher fellmongers, to name a few.

He also worked as a manager and lease manager at a number of pubs, including the former Royal Huntsman Hotel, The Church Inn, Bell Lane, Nags Head, and until recently, The Cotton Tree.

When family members stumbled across an old photograph of Mr Hutchinson with daughter Lauren Hutchinson, in front of a train on the East Lancashire Railway, they set to work coordinating a music event in conjunction with the heritage line and The Trackside bar at Bury's Bolton Street Station.

The 33-year-old has been involved with the town's annual Glaston-BURY event for 10 years.

Mr Hutchinson leaves three children — Lauren, Ross and Angela, as well as four grandchildren.

To donate to the 'Buy Pete a Pint' fund, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/patiopete.