Pals die in holiday horror

TRIBUTES have been paid to a retired Oldham Council chief who was tragically killed alongside a friend while on holiday in Thailand.

Father-of-two Derek Gent (69) was on the island of Koh Samui with friend Michael Holmes (68), both from Rochdale, when they were knocked down by a pick-up truck and killed instantly on Saturday.

Mr Gent, a former head of Oldham’s Trading Standards, and Mr Holmes were on holiday with their wives when the truck veered off the road and hit them.

Councillor Hugh McDonald said: “I knew Derek quite well and I worked with him on a number of issues in the borough without any problems.

“He was a good officer who worked hard to serve Oldham very well. His death is an awful tragedy for the family and people who knew Derek.”

He was joined in his sentiments by fellow councillor John Battye who said: “He worked hard to transform Oldham Trading Standards into one of the best in Greater Manchester, working across the region to improve standards.

“I worked with him and met him when he attended committee meetings and I always found him very professional. It is tragic.”

Former Tory Councillor Chris Shyne said: “Derek was an absolutely smashing guy, a superb man. It was a very important job that he had to deal with, and he did it well.”

Mr Gent, of Croft Head Drive, Milnrow, campaigned against loan sharks and cowboy businesses, helped to monitor unscrupulous traders and provided advice for consumers.

Derek’s wife Christine (66) returned home to Rochdale yesterday with Michael’s wife Janet (67) to be with their families.

In a heartbreaking joint statement, the children of both men said the deaths had left a “massive hole” in their lives.

They said: “We are struggling to comprehend our loss.”