FORMER Bolton mayoress Ida Johnson has died aged 74.

Mrs Johnson, of Blackrod, passed away peacefully in hospital on Monday.

Her husband Eric was Mayor of Bolton in 1996-1997 and the pair raised £141,000 for charity during their year in office.

Charities that benefitted from their efforts included the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Bolton Hospice and CHAT -- the Children's Hospital Appeal Trust.

As well as being heavily involved in the work to help raise cash for charity Mrs Johnson was also well known as an animal lover.

During a visit to the Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter during her year of office she helped generate publicity for their work by naming a German Shepherd puppy Joe, after her own middle name Josephine.

Both Mr and Mrs Johnson were warmly praised at the end of their time as Bolton's first citizens.

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Barbara Ronson said: "When he speaks he is a joy to listen to and the Mayoress has a great sense of fun."

One of Mrs Johnson's proudest moments came in 2000 when she saw her husband become an honorary alderman of Bolton.

Mrs Johnson, a mother of three, has eight grand-children. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.