GARY Barlow has hailed Warrington Wolves owner Simon Moran as 'the best' in a poignant Instagram post.

The Take That star posted a tribute to Moran, the former Woolston High School student who now runs SJM - a music promotion company which has helped put on some of the band's biggest concert.

He also said Moran was one of the first people he turns to for advice.

The post on Instagram today, Sunday, has had more than 12,000 likes.

Gary wrote: "The man - the promoter - the friend I can't fit into this caption all the good words about this guy.

"I can safely say that Simon played an integral role in Take That's return in 2005.

"He had no doubt the reunion was going to be a success. We all thought he was crazy.

"But it turns out he's always, and I mean always, right!!

"I'm always drawn to people who are driven and passionate about what they do. Simon is at the top of this list. He's the best.

"Outside of work, Simon’s an amazing human. Unbelievably generous and a wealth of knowledge about the music biz, numbers and statistics.

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"He's also one of the few people I turn to for advice and support at life’s cross roads."