TRIBUTES have been paid to a former teacher who defied the odds and recently marked 25 years since undergoing a heart transplant.

Walter Gill died peacefully in hospital on Thursday, aged 86.

He was well-known across Bolton, working as a PE teacher at Turton Secondary School and Rivington Grammar School, and for following his passion for sport.

Mr Gill, of Church Road, Smithills, first started having problems with his heart aged about 60, and he underwent a heart transplant at Wythenshawe Hospital in 1991.

Doctors told Mr Gill they expected the heart to prolong his life for about 10 years, but he proved them wrong and this year celebrated living for a quarter of a century following the operation.

The procedure did not stop Mr Gill from living an active and healthy lifestyle, and he went on to take part in the British Transplant Games on three occasions, competing in shot putt, golf and bowls and winning two medals.

In addition, he was the president of the Horwich branch of the New Heart New Start charity, in which he raised thousands of pounds for Wythenshawe Hospital by organising charity events.

The great-grandfather was an avid sports fan from an early age, starting his cricket career at Westhoughton Cricket Club aged 15.

Later he was the professional at Bradshaw, Egerton and Little Lever.

In addition he played semi professional football for Chorley FC, and also worked as a scout for Leeds United and Leicester City, watching talented schoolboys in action, including a young Michael Owen.

Mr Gill ended his teaching career as a schools adviser for Knowsley education department.

Even after his heart transplant he remained active.

As well as participating in the transplant games, he was a cricket umpire for 20 years in the Bolton Cricket League, and played golf at Dunscar Golf Club.

Mr Gill's wife of 59 years, Judith said: "He was a gentleman, a very kind lovely man. He was a family man and he loved his grandchildren."

The 79-year-old added: "He had a really good sense of humour, and he certainly loved his sport. He was very knowledgeable about all sports, and he would watch whatever was on the TV."

Mr Gill's funeral will be held at St Peter's Parish, Halliwell, on Monday.

He is survived by his wife Judith, his four daughters Joanna, Alison, Susan and Jane, his 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.