Tributes paid to community legend who ran popular borough shop for decades

Former Leigh magistrate and Atherton Rotarian Trevor Hilton died in Wigan and Leigh Hospice following a short illness. He was 86.

For 30 years, he ran Hilton’s Hardware Store in Atherton – a traditional shop selling anything and everything from paraffin, coal bricks and model aeroplanes to fishing rods, elastic and fireworks.

After early retirement, Trevor started driving a bus for Bolton social services and continued in his administrative roles at St Andrew’s Church, Over Hulton.

But his years at the “little gem” Derby Street shop are remembered by hundreds of folk who took to social media to pay tribute.

David Featherstone said: “He used to sell everything and anything. If he didn’t have it on the day he would make sure it was there for you the following day. He was respected in this town, not a bad word was heard against him.”

Vanda Yates recalled: “Christmas as a child of the ’60s we waited in awe for his window displays...America had Macy’s window displays we had the famous, magical Mr Hilton’s. What more could you want? RIP Mr Hilton and thank you for such wonderful childhood memories.”

Trevor, who lived in Broadway, Atherton was pre-deceased by Marianne, his wife of 53 years. They had two children Anne and John, together with four grandchildren.

A funeral for immediate family only will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Over Hulton, on June 26 at 11am. The cortège will leave Broadway at 10.45am and the community is invited to pay their respects while keeping to social distancing measures, or outside Trevor’s former shop on Derby Street at 11.45am as the cortège travels to Howe Bridge Crematorium for a private committal.

Granddaughter Jessica said: “We would love to see the community pay their respects in this way because he was so special to so many people.”

She also thanked the hospice for its kindness and all those who paid tribute.

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