FORMER pupils are mourning the death of popular headteacher Ann Sims.

Until her retirement in 1995 Mrs Sims had been headteacher at Lostock County Primary School for nearly 20 years.

The 64-year-old grandmother, of St Leonard's Avenue, Lostock, was recovering from breast cancer which was diagnosed a year after retiring, but 10 months ago doctors discovered it had spread.

She died peacefully in Bolton Hospice on Sunday, surrounded by her family. She leaves her husband, Geoffrey, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Mrs Sims' teaching career dates back to 1957 with most of her time spent in Bolton.

Before taking charge of Lostock Primary School she was deputy head of Breightmet Junior School and also taught at schools in Westhoughton. She was also branch secretary of the National Association of Headteachers.

Her funeral will be held tomorrow at 1.45pm at St John's Church, Lostock, followed by committal at Overdale Crematorium.

Current headteacher at Lostock Primary, Jackie Sumerfield, said all who knew Mrs Sims were saddened by news of her death.