BURY'S First Man of the Year has died.

Mr Ainslie Dures (72) passed away on Friday afternoon (Aug 15), the day after receiving his MBE from the Queen's representative, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Col Sir John Timmins.

He died at Bury Hospice after losing the fight against lung cancer.

The retired transport manager, who was best known for his role as vice-chairman of Bury Elders Forum, was presented with the royal honour in recognition of his services to the voluntary sector in a private family ceremony, held in the hospice.

Also this year, Mr Dures was given the honour of becoming the borough's first Man of the Year.

Mr Dures, of Greymont Road, Bury, is survived by his wife, Joy, five children and eight grandchildren and five-step-grandchildren.

A service will be held at St John with St Mark's Church in Walmersley Road, Bury, at 1.45pm on Friday (Aug 22), followed by cremation at Overdale. The family have asked for donations to be made to Bury Hospice in lieu of flowers.