HARRY Mooney has announced his decision to stand down as chairman of a Winsford association, after making it the largest in the area.

Harry, 81, took over as chairman of the Vale Royal Pensioners Association, Winsford, in 1994 after moving to the town from Lostock Gralam.

The association was more of a political organistation then and Harry had a vision for a non-political group with day trips, lunches, dances and a chance to socialise.

The association also has its own constitution, the main aims of which are to promote the interests of all retired people, including through education, welfare and health.

Membership has grown from a modest 25 to over 220, with an average of 120 members attending each meeting, making it the largest pensioners' association in the area.

Harry said: "I have tried to let other people do things that I have enjoyed.

"It has been a wonderful time and I have enjoyed every minute, but I now feel the time has come to hand over to someone younger."

He now hopes his wife Brenda, a Winsford town councillor, will become his successor.

He said: "We're hoping she will take over, but I'll still be in the background to help where I can."

Before retiring, Harry was a health and safety officer, helping several large companies win awards for their commitment to safety.

His hobbies include theatre and playing the spoons and says his next ambition is to play spoons with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.

He is also deeply passionate about football, particularly Liverpool FC, where he was once part of the bootroom culture as a scout and was instrumental in blooding talent like Roger Hunt and Jimmy Case.

During his time with Liverpool, Harry had a great relationship with the players and still counts the likes of Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish amongst his friends.