A POPULAR gardener from Accrington who was well-known for his quirky three-wheeled vans has died at the age of 70.

The friends and family of James Barry Grunshaw, best known as Barry the Gardener, will bid their final farewell on Friday after he lost his battle with lung disease.

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His sister Brenda said yesterday: “He was a lovely guy and did anything for anybody. He was the best brother you could have.”

Born and raised in care in Blackburn, Mr Grunshaw moved to Accrington to live with foster parents during his teenage years.

Brenda said: “When he was young he loved cycling. He used to pack his lunch and go off and you would not see him for the rest of the day. He would cycle for miles around Yorkshire.”

Mr Grunshaw married Pauline, but she died in her 50s. After meeting Pat, he remarried.

For almost 20 years, Mr Grunshaw worked at Accrington firm Caligen Foam before launching his own company in 1984.

His friend Paul Barton said: “He set up a gardening business. He did all the doctors’ houses and that’s where I know him from, going back to the 90s.

“He used to have a three-wheeled van like Del Boy. He did a lot for people.”

Brenda said: “He had a Reliant Robin and his house had a collection of Only Fools and Horses stuff. We will be playing the theme song at the funeral.”

Mr Grunshaw later replaced his van with his iconic Aixam van, one of which will lead his funeral cortège. He was also a member of the Willow Mount Working Men’s Club and the Brooks Club in Accrington, and his hobbies included travelling and driving.

Brenda said: “He must have gone on more coach parties than there are coach companies in Britain. He never went abroad because he said there’s lots of countryside here.”

Mr Grunshaw died in hospital on Thursday, December 4, from advanced pulmonary fibrosis, a respiratory disease where scars form in the lungs, leading to serious breathing problems, Brenda said.

The condition forced his retirement around three years ago.

Mr Grunshaw was survived by his wife Pat, daughters June, Elaine, and Melanie, his sister Brenda, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A service will be held from 3pm on Friday at Accrington Crematorium. Family flowers only but donations can be given to East Lancashire Hospice, c/n Paul Barton at Barton and Hallworth Funeral Service, in Whalley Road, Accrington.