MOURNERS will line the road for the funeral of former Bolton Mayoress Gay Wharton.

The service will take place on Friday at noon at Overdale West Chapel.

Restrictions during the pandemic mean that numbers at the service have to be limited, but those who wish to pay their respects to the much loved former mayoress of Bolton are asked to line the road in socially-distanced safe manner outside The Retreat Restaurant, Chorley New Road, at 11.30am, as the funeral cortege passes.

When coronavirus restrictions are lifted, hopefully early next year, a memorial service for Mrs Wharton, will take place at Bolton Parish Church.

Mrs Wharton, aged 58, lost her life after being knocked down by car on November 13.

She suffered serious injuries in the collision and died at the scene.

Mrs Wharton was a pioneering mayoress alongside 2014 mayor Cllr Martin Donaghy and a second mayoress Jacqueline Tracey.

The trio had worked together at Sainsbury’s in Bolton town centre.

Mrs Wharton became a champion for the women’s refuge Fortalice – as well as numerous other good causes.