TRIBUTES have been paid to a karaoke-loving grandfather who died after the bus he was on was involved in a crash.

John Nield, 78, had just got onto the 715 bus in Church Street, Westhoughton, and was making his way to his seat when the collision happened.

Mr Nield suffered a serious head injury and died in hospital three days later.

According to police the collision happened at 9am on Wednesday October 2, and involved a blue Honda CRV, as well as the bus.

Mr Nield was a regular at Vocals Karaoke at Church Ward Conservative Club and was affectionately known as ‘Johnny B’.

DJ Craig Jay, who runs the karaoke, said: “Johnny was special to me and lot of other people.

“He was loved by so many people, he was the type of person that always lit up the room and got the party started.

“He had a wonderful family that he loved more than anything. His second love was karaoke, he was a true karaoke legend and a fabulous singer. I have been honoured to have him as friend and singer at my karaokes. Everyone is going miss him, he was one of kind. My thoughts and love are with his family.”

PC Neil Dalley, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for information. He said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the man’s family at this dreadful time.

“If you were in the area at this time and saw the collision or have any dash cam footage that could assist our enquiries then please get in touch.

“I’m also particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been travelling on the bus at the time of the collision. If you’ve not yet spoken to us please come forward as you may hold vital information.”

Diamond North West, which runs the 715 Wigan to Bolton service said they are working closely with the police and are undertaking a “robust internal investigation”.

If you have any information, call police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 723 of 2/10/19.