THE Mayoress of Bury is seriously ill in hospital after suffering a stroke.

Mrs Anne Costello, a former teacher at Guardian Angels RC School, has been in Bury General Hospital since the attack last Thursday.

The mayor, Cllr John Costello, said: "She's not very well at all. She has suffered a serious stroke which has come as a bolt out of the blue."

Mrs Costello, aged 51, of Westgate Avenue, Holcombe Brook was due to see a specialist in hospital yesterday.

Cllr Costello said: "Until then, it's difficult to say just how she is or what treatment she can have. It's a very difficult time for us all."

The couple's daughter, Radcliffe councillor Siobhan Costello, said her mother was "very poorly" but was able to have visitors.

It is thought that she may have suffered another stroke since being admitted to hospital.

The couple are due to step down at tomorrow's annual council meeting.