TWO former editors and the current editor of The Bolton News, along with many former journalist colleagues, attended a funeral service for ex-news editor Mel Horrocks, who died earlier this month after a long illness at the age of 71.

Mel had worked at the then Bolton Evening News’ head office from 1966 to 2000 and for much of that time he was news editor, a key role at the centre of the news-gathering operation.

Current editor Ian Savage, who worked closely with Mel, attended the service at St John’s Church, Hopwood, Heywood, along with former editors Chris Walder and Les Gent.

Alan Calvert, former business editor and before that Mel’s deputy on the newsdesk, delivered a eulogy in which he talked about Mel’s career as a respected journalist.

Mel’s widow Janet said she and the family were grateful to all of Mel’s former colleagues for their letters of condolence, cards, flowers and donations to The Alzheimer’s Society.

She added: “Many thanks for the lovely tribute in the paper. You have made this difficult time easier to bear and your presence at church made it a wonderful service.”

The church service was followed by committal at Rochdale Crematorium.