A POPULAR cabbie who worked in the business for more than 50 years has died at the age of 104.

Jack Briggs was a familiar face on Bolton roads where he claimed to have been one of the longest serving taxi drivers and worked well into his 80s.

The great-grandfather died peacefully on Sunday, at Astley Grange Nursing Home, on Blackburn Road, Bolton, where he has lived for four years.

He had celebrated his 104th birthday just one day earlier.

Family and former colleagues today paid tribute to the man they called "Briggy".

His only daughter, Edna Almond, aged 61, said: "Dad was just a lovely man and a real character.

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"His passengers loved him and would ask for him to drive them time and time again. They became his friends.

"He was frail towards the end but always kept his sense of humour. He just wanted to hang on for his birthday. He reached a wonderful age."

Mr Briggs lived in Blackbank Street with wife of 75 years, Emily, until her death in 1998. The couple had a daughter, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

An army veteran, Mr Briggs was born in Astley Bridge and attempted to join the forces when he was just 15-years-old, but was dragged home from the recruiting station by his mother. He went on to serve in the Army during the Second World War and later joined the Territorial Army.

But he was best known in the town as one of the most popular drivers employed by T Relph and Sons - now Relph's Funeral Service - of Blackburn Road.

He worked at the firm as a cabbie and driver for weddings and funerals since 1936.

He began to become frail after his home was broken into four years ago.

Fellow taxi driver and former colleague, Bernard Smidowicz, aged 64, said: "Briggy was a real traditional cabbie, he had the hat and the black coat and he really looked the part.

"He was a true gentleman and courteous to everyone he picked-up."

Mr Briggs' funeral was taking place today at Overdale East Chapel, at 1.15pm.
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