SNOOKER legend John Spencer has become the first person to be named on a memorial at the new East Lancashire Crematorium.

The 71-year-old three times world champion, who was born and bred in Radcliffe, died at Bury Hospice a year ago after a three-year battle against cancer.

His funeral was held at Overdale Crematorium in Bolton, but Mr Spencer's family asked for a permanent reminder in his home town.

It is the first of 200 plaques to be placed on a large stone monument in memory of those who have died. The memorial was unveiled during an official opening ceremony last Thursday at the crematorium in Cemetery Road, Radcliffe.

Chris Johns, operations director of the building's owners, Memoria Ltd, said: "There is a large stone book in the ground about seven-feet high and ten-feet wide, into which bronze plaques can be fitted. John Spencer came from Radcliffe and his family asked for the memorial to be put there. It's a spectacular piece of masonry and very striking to look at. A lot of people like the plaques because they are a permanent memorial."

Around 80 guests, including councillors and presidents of various national funeral and bereavement organisations, attended a service led by the Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev David Gillett.

While there, they were able to have a look around the £3 million building, which has been designed to provide comforting surroundings and can accommodate up to 200 mourners.

There are landscaped gardens, a view over the surrounding countryside, a garden of remembrance, and an ornamental pond. The crematorium also has a 70-space car park.

Following the service, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillor Farook Chaudhry and his wife Rubina, unveiled a plaque declaring the centre officially open. The stone monument displaying Mr Spencer's name was also revealed.

Guests later travelled to Bury Town Hall for a reception.

Mr Johns said: "The day went superbly and the turnout was very good. Everyone was very impressed with the building, including people in the funeral industry who said it was the best new crematorium they have seen for years. We are very proud of it and couldn't have asked for more."

The centre, which is also known as Radcliffe Crematorium, opened its doors on May 23 and is the only crematorium in the borough. Fifty-five cremations were held there in June.

Mr Johns added: "This just shows that there was a real need in Bury for a crematorium, because it was the only borough in the country without one. The fact that we have had so many services in the first month is just staggering."