LIFE was never dull in Wally Barnes’ household.

But the world will look a little duller after the prolific ghost story writer died aged 88 last month.

And on Friday dozens of wellwishers are expected to turn out to wally’s funeral to mark his extraordinary achievements.

His daughter Karol Rogers said: “He was never dull and his life was always full of interesting things.

“When he was a child there was no TV and they used to sit round the fire telling stories and it was that which made him start writing.

“We had to have a bedtime story as youngsters and we certainly got them.”

Over the years Wally recalled his tales through a collection of books and his enduring popularity saw him recall some of the tales to young and old alike in schools and nursing homes across the borough.

“Some guy from Warrington actually started the Wally barnes Appreciation Group. You can see how the number of people and comments and people trying to get hold of his books means how much he was thought of,” added Karol.

Wally, of Delves Avenue, married Winnie at St Margaret's Church in Orford in 1950 and the couple had three children - Karol, Wally and Edward.

But it was not just through his books that Wally touched the hearts of many.

Karol said: “He was a fundraiser and when he was doing shows the house was always full of acts who would be performing in them.

“He was a character, if there was a cause he would raise money for it.

“Late at night we would knock on families doors and there was a child who was sick or someone who needed help and he would help work out what to do for them.”

Wally died on March 31 after being taken ill while staying with family in Wales.

“He fought right to the very end. He wanted to stay with us, he didn’t want to die,” added Karol.

His funeral takes place tomorrow, Friday at Warrington Crematorium at 10.20am and all are welcome