A LEADING light in Bury's entertainment scene died suddenly last week.

Johnny Mahon has wowed thousands at pubs and clubs in his home town and throughout the North West during a singing career that has spanned more than 50 years.

Johnny will also be remembered for his support of a host of charity organisations, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes.

The versatile singer, famous for his jet black hair and perfectly trimmed beard, commanded sell-out shows at pubs and clubs throughout the region. His repertoire of songs was vast and his voice easily mastered the timeless classics of yesteryear and the more modern day hits.

Born and bred in Bury, Johnny attended St Joseph's RC High School in Bury and was head altar boy at St Joseph's RC Church. At the age of 15, Johnny started work as builder but began singing for pin-money in the evenings at local pubs.

Attracting a large following Johnny realised he could earn more money singing and quickly turned professional. He spent three years in Tenerife entertaining holiday makers before returning to his roots. Johnny lived for his singing and his last live performance was in May at a school reunion party.

Over the past five years, he had sung six nights and two afternoons a week in pubs on Bell Lane.

His wife Carol said: "He was not the best singer, though he could hold his own with any song. But he was very charismatic and people really warmed to him.

"He was popular to everyone, from nine to 90. It was his life. He always said that if his singing ever came between us he would give it up in a flash.

"However, he was too special for me to keep to myself. He loved being around people."

When not entertaining, Johnny's passions were his family, his garden and his wife.

Last year, Johnny won a short battle against cancer and spent the last 12 months working hard doing what he loved.

Carol said: "His death was a great shock to everyone. Our home has been inundated with tributes and cards."

The father of one, of Newbold Street, died last week just days before he would have celebrated his 66th birthday. He has two grandchildren.

Hundreds turned out for his funeral which was held at St Joseph's RC Church. Some of his favourite songs, including "If Tomorrow Never Comes", were also played during the service which was followed by interment at Bury Cemetery.

Carol concluded: "Johnny was always being asked to sing at people's funerals. This time he sang at his own."