AN annual bowling competition has been held in Bury in memory of a 55-year-old man who lost his short battle with cancer in July last year.

Friends and fellow bowlers organised the competition in tribute to Ian Meadowcroft, who was affectionately known as "Meds" at the Huntley Unionist "Duck Club" in the town's Coppice Street.

He was described as a "charismatic and popular" man, known in his younger days within the local footballing community and throughout the window manufacturing industry. During a career spanning almost 30 years, he became an accomplished and successful salesman and latterly owned his own companies in Preston and the Lake District.

In his later years, he took up crown green bowling and made many valued friends, playing for several clubs across the borough.

Mr Meadowcroft had taken retirement when his life was cut short following the sudden cancer diagnosis, leaving family and friends devastated.

The bowling competition, held last year as well, has now raised £2,050 in total. Funds were raised through a raffle, cakes and sandwich stalls, donated pies and muffins, guess the teddy's name, an auctioned signed Bury FC shirt, and bucket donations.

This year's bowling winner was Wayne Usher, following on from last year's victory by Roger Church.

Two commemorative benches have been placed around the club green as a fitting tribute and the remaining funds will be split between Mr Meadowcroft's preferred charities, Bury Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.