Tributes have been paid following the death of a local legend.
Brian Leyland was a popular figure in St Helens and a driving force behind the opening of Book Stop Community Book Shop, on Bridge Street, helping to raise the funds needed.
Brian died on February 2, at the age of 67, after three year battle with kidney cancer.
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The popular figure was known for his passion about the heritage and culture of St Helens, even writing a book about the town - St Helens: The Great & The Good (And a Few of the Not So Good).
In a statement, the Book Stop said: "We are saddened to announce that Brian Leyland passed away last Wednesday 2nd February.
"Brian was the inspiration and driving force behind the St Helens Book Stop and served as Chairman of the Trustees. His love of St Helens – the town, the community, and of course its rugby team – played a major part in his life.
"After publishing his own book, St Helens: the Great and the Good , he took on the challenge of creating a community bookshop in the town centre to deliver a whole range of further benefits to the community, primarily by helping to promote reading for pleasure and the appreciation of books and literature to all age groups but with a particular emphasis on introducing children to the joy of books.
"Brian was delighted that the shop eventually opened and that it has been a great success in its first few months.
"The Trustees and staff now have the responsibility to honour Brian’s memory by achieving his goal of creating a “go to” destination in St Helens for everyone with an interest in books (and indeed some who have not).
"We extend our deepest sympathy to Brian’s wife Linsey, children Joe, Vicci and Mark, and other members of the family.
"The funeral will be held on Thursday 24 th February at 12pm at Greenacres Cemetery in Rainford."
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