A FORMER Leigh councillor and self-taught painter has been praised for brightening people’s day in his care home.
Brian Thomas, 86, from Plank Lane, moved into a new apartment on the Wharfdale Estate on Henry Street, Leigh after his wife, Kathleen, passed away.
The couple were married for 50 years and it is believed that they were the first husband and wife councillors in Leigh, with Brian being a councillor for 12 years.
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Since moving into his residence, which is managed by a registered care provider, Brian has taken up painting and has been handing out his artwork to staff and residents in the building.
After teaching himself, he has also shared his skills with neighbours, teaching them how to paint too.
In his spare time, Brian also helps out around the home, taking trips into the town centre to do shopping for other residents who are unable to do it themselves.
As well as this, he runs the weekly Wharfdale bingo, ‘Brian’s Bingo Saturday,’ calling the numbers and handing out winnings to those playing.
Brian, who has a large family who are "all so proud of him", is a father to three sons and five daughters as well as having 25 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
Beth Hughes, one of Brian’s granddaughters said: “Wharfdale staff have set up a table with all his paintings on, he has even had residents of Wharfdale offer to buy them off him.
“We’re all so proud of him.
“He is so loving, funny and we are all so lucky to have him as our dad, grandad and great grandad.”
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