Eccentric, bearded entrepreneur, whacky chimney sweep, grandad wizard - all names given to Stephen Howard over the years.

But however you came across the Macclesfield character, it would be hard to disagree was a one-off and will be missed around the town following his death aged 63.

Mr Howard appeared in the Express numerous times for his exploits, which sometimes got him in trouble.

He was banned from his local pub The Red Lion for more than 40 years and lobbied the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest pub ban in the world.

And he won notoriety in 2004 after hiring a 13-carriage train to compete against Richard Branson by running a service between London and Manchester called Swift Line.

He also featured in the paper after finding a human bone at St Lawrence’s Church in Over Peover, and on another occasion was employed as a ‘hermit’ at Tatton Flower Show.

His family say he deserves one final piece of recognition after his death, on October 24 at East Cheshire Hospice, after battling oesophageal cancer.

Daughter Tracy Gregory, who lives in Australia with husband Joe and daughters Jessica and Alex, said: “Dad was a loveable eccentric who enjoyed meeting people and having a good time. He had a passion for trains and fire engines and had his own collection of vintage vehicles at home. He was a true believer in standing up for what he believed in, which managed to land him in hot water on many occasions. He was a local character and will be sadly missed by family and friends.

“We thank the hospice and Macmillan carers for his exceptional care.”

Mr Howard was born in Salford and moved to the Weston in Macclesfield aged four before moving to Dicklow Cob, Lower Withington in the 1970s after marrying Susan, who still lives there.

His jobs included chimney sweep, builder and DJ. He was dad to Lee and Claire, and grandad to to William, Jessica and Alex.

Tracy said: “My girls loved hearing his stories and enjoy a singsong over the phone. We’re honoured for the Express to pay tribute to dad. He would have been so chuffed with one final story.”

The funeral is on Wednesday, November 4, at St Thomas Church, Henbury, and Macclesfield Cemetery.