Arthur dies at 100

Centenarian Arthur Balmforth has died — only a few weeks short of his 101st birthday.

Mr Balmforth was Denshaw’s oldest man and well known for his love of a pint and a pipe.

He worked in mills until he was 65 and was a regular at Denshaw’s Oddfellows Club after joining as a teenager.

A keen cricketer, Mr Balmforth played at Friarmere until he was in his 50s. He was also a fan of football, cycling and weight-lifting.

The funeral will take place at Christ Church in Denshaw at 2pm on Monday followed by internment in the church yard.