I WAS very sorry to hear about the death of best-selling Bolton author Ruth Hamilton at 76.

It’s hard to believe that such a larger-than-life character is no longer here.

Ruth, born Linda Girling, was brought up in wartime Bolton from humble stock. She had a marvellous memory and could recaall many of the people she met here, using that detail in her many books to create unforgettable characters.

Although she’d moved to Formby some years ago, many of her books were still set in Bolton, providing genuine pleasure for those swiftly recognising local landmarks and the kind of people they themselves knew. She was also exceptionally funny and no conversation with her was without raucous laughter.

She researched in the Bolton News’ library on many occasions, and I interviewed her often. In fact, she included me in one book’s dedications, thanking me for “the laughs.”

She had very strong opinions and we didn’t always agree, but I always admired and respected her. RIP Ruth Hamilton – a true Bolton lass.