A MUCH loved former builder who "lived for fishing" has died aged 73.

William 'Bill' Hill, who lived in Dines Green with his wife Margaret, died on Tuesday, after his health declined following a stroke 11 years ago.

Mr Hill was well-known for his love of fishing, and he belonged to a number of fishing clubs, including the Portobello pub's club and Alan's Tackle Shop's club in St John's.

Ian Broadway, Mr Hill's step-son, said that Mr Hill was "much-loved".

"Bill was a well-known and well-liked Worcester man. He was a builder for many years and he built many houses in St John's as well as the Coppertops pub. He was a very hard-worker and he never had a day off," he said.

"Bill met my mother at the Bush Inn in St John's where she worked as a barmaid and they were together for more than 40 years.

"Bill liked watching sports on the television — he would watch, golf, darts and football and was a keen Manchester United supporter.

"He used to go to the Portobello for a pint and a game of cards, but Bill's passion was fishing. Fishing was his life. He was one of the top course fishers in Worcester. He fished in all the big matches and always came in the top three and he won numerous trophies. Other fishers who had entered a competition would get nervous when they heard he was entering too, and one of his friends, John Snape, said he was "an angler before his time" and that he didn't know how he did it. Even when his health was declining more and more he would still go fishing twice a week."

Mr Hill leaves behind his wife, his step-sons Ian and Barry, his mother-in-law, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mr Hill's funeral will take place on Monday, January 26 at 3.15pm at Astwood Crematorium.

The family have requested that only family flowers are brought to the funeral and any donations can be made to the Stroke Association on the day.