Mr Frederick (Fred) Horton, husband of the late Mrs Mary Horton, died of old age, diabetes and ischaemic leg ulcer, on June 30. He was 84.

Mr Horton, of Callands Court Nursing Home, formerly of Pinewood Avenue, lived in Warrington all his life.

He started his working life as a fitter at Fletcher Russell Ltd. He joined the Army in 1939 and rose to the rank of Warrant Officer 1, serving in India and on the North West Frontier with Afghanistan. He left the Army and worked for Melfords iron foundry, before moving to Rubery Owen in the early 60s, working as a fitter constructing road-laying machines.

At 15-years-old, while working at Fletcher Russell he was awarded an engraved watch for his 'presence of mind' by the factory owner, when he stopped a machine, saving the life of a co-worker who was trapped inside it.

Mr Horton loved motorbikes and in his younger days enjoyed rides to North Wales and south Cheshire for weekends and days out with his father, stepmother and brothers. He played drums in dance bands and in a duo with an organist friend around Warrington. He also liked working on cars, DIY, watching boxing on TV and was a member of Eagle Sports Club and Rylands Rec.

Mr Horton leaves a son and three brothers.

A service was held on July 11, at Walton Lea, followed by cremation. The Rev E Rotherham officiated.

Arrangements were made by Co-operative Funeral Services.