A Smithills singer-songwriter will play tribute to former mayoress Gay Wharton, in a special one-year memorial today.

James Holt, 28, will be playing one of her favourite songs ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ by Procol Harum.

Gay Wharton was a long-time friend and fan of James, and they both planned to a release a charity single together, before she died.

The grandmother, aged 58, suffered serious injuries and died on November 13 last year after being hit by a speeding motorist on a pedestrian crossing on Chorley New Road, Bolton.

James instead released the single ‘One Hand Strikes the Other’ in October as a tribute to Gay, as well as raising money for Fort Alice, a organisation she supported.

He raised £538 through the release of his single, along with a special fundraising concert.

James said: “The memorial will be very emotional given it’s the one-year anniversary of her death.

“She would have loved to see the single and launch show come to light, and I’m sure she would be thrilled that I’ve used it to raise money for Fortalice, which was a charity very close to her heart.”

Gay’s memorial will takes place at 11am at the Bolton Parish Church. People can make donations in her memory at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-holt-fortalice