'LONGFORD Lover' Chris Culleton's funeral is today, Friday, at Walton Crematorium.

As the town says farewell to one its best known and well loved characters, we have been digging through the comments readers and well wishers left when the sad news spread to give a sense of his life and what he meant to people.

Chris will be remembered as the music man who brought the Rolling Stones to Parr Hall and as a very popular DJ at the Carlton Club.

He also brought Deep Purple to Warrington for one of their first live gigs, at the Red Lion.

The 83-year-old was born in County Wexford but moved to Warrington at the age of seven and worked as a butcher and at the Co-op before turning band manager. He lived in Dale Lane for most of his life.

He had one son, Ben, as well as three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

“My dad put Warrington on the music map in the 60s. Then he was mainly a DJ in the 70s and I’ll always remember the children’s discos that he used to do at Warrington Rugby Union Football Club in Appleton every Friday."

Chris's son, Ben Culleton

"The Longford entertained us Warringtonians as DJ for many years at venues such as the Carlton and The Lion.

"In latter years the Longford was the resident DJ at Warrington Rugby Club. I can still recall his familiar strain: 'Another bucket of mild for the Longford', which he shouted to the bar between tracks.

"A true legend and a Warrington man – contrary to his own lyrics, he did give a damn."

Mike Williams

"He was a good friend during his Carlton days, with Disco Dec and Walter O'Malley. Chris was a gentle, sometimes enigmatic but always friendly guy always willing to help. The world has lost a real character without an ounce of malice in his body."

Wire Wolf, from the comments section

Chris Culleton aka Longford Lover.

Chris Culleton aka Longford Lover.

"Remember him well DJing in the Britannia. 'Two pints of mild for the Longford' was his call between tracks. The Longford Lover, a true Warrington legend."

LoveWarrington, from the comments section

"Such fond memories of Chris – a great man, DJ and old family friend. I still laugh thinking about him jiving with me at a family birthday party. God bless you Longford."

Christine Bradley

"He deserves a statue on Northway and Stan The Man does outside the corner where Smiths was."

Warrington Casuals

"Chris and my family were next door neighbours for more than 30 years. We had a belting relationship with the Longford.

"Fond memories of many an evening spent at parties in our house – you will never be forgotten Chris, a place in our hearts forever – I'm sure your dad and the Dale Lane posse are partying up there now."

Lesley Smith

"Sad loss of a gem and a Warrington legend. Many a good night was had with the Lover DJing."

Kevin Mather

"What a legend he is. RIP Longford Lover – you always cheered every one up in the Mulberry Tree in Stockton Heath."

Brad Den

"He was a member of our fishing club – SHAG (Stockton Heath Angling Group). True character and gentleman. He will be missed by the whole club."

Stuart James

"I knew him from when I worked at The London Bridge years ago. What a lovely man. Fabulous stories. RIP Longford, you'll be sadly missed by a lot of people. My condolences to your family."

Polly Waring

"Respect Chris. Life is for living."

Stephen Walker

"Absolute legend – will be sorely missed. Dale Lane will never be the same. RIP Chris. God bless you and many thanks for the memories."

Dan Fisher

"A very funny and friendly guy. He had so many quotes and catchphrases that you could fill a book with them."

Andrew Ledwith

"He DJed for my 18th birthday at the rugby club and then got on stage at my 40th to sing to everyone. RIP Longford."

Marc Smith