A READING chair purchased by a primary school in memory of a longstanding volunteer is a “fitting tribute” to him, his son has said.

Kenneth Booth, from Buckley, died in May this year following a battle with cancer. He was 77.

He worked at the town’s brickworks from about 15 years of age until he retired at 55 due to ill health.

After that he decided to volunteer at Mountain Lane Primary School, where children would read to him in order to practice and improve their literacy skills.

The Leader:

Back: Ken Booth's children Amanda Warburton, Sam Booth and Teresa Gillam. Front: Mr Booth's grandchildren 15-year-old Kayla Warburton, 10-year-old Dillon Warburton, 14-year-old Sophia Warburton, four-year-old Savannah Booth on the reading chair

Mr Booth, known by friends and family as Ken, volunteered at the school for 20 years - stepping down from his voluntary role about 18 months ago when his health deteriorated.

His family decided that any donations collected at his funeral should go towards a reading chair at the school - which was officially unveiled last week.

Mr Booth’s son Sam, 30, told the Leader: “He loved volunteering there and was devastated when he couldn’t go back.

“He was very knowledgeable and witty - and he loved his pub quiz.

“He always had a laugh and a joke and was a real man of the community.”

The Leader:

Ken Booth

Mr Booth said he is delighted with the chair, adding: “When my children Savannah and Harper go there and they are growing up they’re going to be able to understand that this is what granddad loved doing.

“My sisters are very pleased with the chair as well - the owls are the mascot for the school and with dad being very wise as he was, it is very fitting.”

The donations from Mr Booth’s funeral have also been used to create a prize fund for the school.

Each year for at least the next 10 years a pupil at the school will win the Ken Booth Beaming Star award, which will include a voucher for a book.

Iona Walker, head teacher at Mountain Lane primary school, said: “Following the sad loss of dear friend Mr Booth, we felt it was fitting tribute to purchase a reading chair as recognition for all the years he dedicated supporting the pupils of Mountain Lane School.”