TRIBUTES have been paid to former Three Peaks Fell Race champion Dennis Hopkinson.

The 77-year-old, from Clayton-le-Moors, died on December 10, and a funeral service will be held tomorrow. (16) In an obituary, his family said: “Dennis was a hard-working loving family man who loved family get togethers and celebrations.

“His working life was spent at G Plan, and Buoyant as an upholsterer until his retirement.

“A keen caravanner, family holidays were spent together in Cornwall.”

Mr Hopkinson was a former member of running group Clayton Harriers, and was Lancashire champion over twenty miles.

“Dennis loved nothing more than putting on his running shoes and setting off over the fell’s for long run,” his family added. “He was a well-known champion runner and former winner of the Three Peaks Fell Race.”

The funeral will be held at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Clayton-le-Moors. from 10am, followed by internment at Haslingden Cemetery.

Donations can be made in his memory to Parkinson’s UK