TRIBUTES were made to retiring mayor Cllr Alan Rushton at last night's meeting of Bolton Council.

Labour Cllr Don Eastwood said Cllr Rushton had carried out his responsibilities with "kindness and dignity".

He recorded the appreciation of all the councillors for the work of Cllr Rushton and the mayoress Mrs Audrey Rushton, during their year in office.

Tory Cllr John Hanscomb, spoke of Cllr Rushton's "integrity, loyalty and decency, values which are not universal".

He said Cllr Rushton's work during his year of office had been "greatly valued by so many people".

"You have represented this town in the most splendid tradition."

Cllr Rushton paid tribute to his wife for her support and said it had been "a wonderful year".

He added: "We have enjoyed our year because of the public of Bolton. Everywhere you go there is a smile."

He also paid tribute to the Bolton Evening News for coverage of the many events in which he had been involved, as mayor.

Cllr Eric Johnson, who represents labour in Blackrod, is all set to take over the mayoral chain of office, provided he is successful in next week's local elections.

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