TRIBUTES have been paid to a former chairman of St Rocco's Hospice who was known across Warrington.

Norman Banner died on Thursday aged 71.

Norman was part of the Board of Trustees at St. Rocco’s for nearly 10 years, serving seven years as Chair. He retired from the Board in 2017 on completion of his term of office.

He has been described as a champion for people in the Warrington area with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and for their families.

Roger Preece, Norman’s successor as Chair of Trustees said: "Norman has been at the heart of St Rocco's hospice for many years. As the former Chair of Trustees he has steered the hospice through some challenging times, has been a wonderful leader of the board, great support to the management and an encourager to staff and volunteers. He was often to be found visiting the wards supporting patients and their families. We will all miss him very much.”

Norman, 71, was made an MBE for his charity work.

A Rocco's spokesman added: lHe was the first person to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone else at St. Rocco’s and was always self-effacing of his own contribution, which was considerable and not under-estimated by anyone who knew him at St. Rocco’s.

"he was humble, kind and a gentlemen to everyone alike, including patients, volunteer and staff."

Norman played an influential role at the hospice until the very last, attending a meeting at St. Rocco’s only a few short weeks ago. He displayed dedication, determination and humour over the years and latterly maintained incredible dignity during his illness.

Pam Massey, Chief Executive of St. Rocco’s said, “Norman has been a wonderful support to St. Rocco’s. He will be terribly missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his wife and two sons whom he loved dearly.”