TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known former waitress at Blackburn’s iconic El Greco café who has died at the age of 86.

Margaret Newton was born in 1934, the third child of James and Ellen Fogarty and grew up in Cherry Tree, Blackburn.

Her first job was at the now demolished Sun Paper Mill in Feniscowles and it was here that she met Alfred, who would become the love of her life.

Grandson James Newton said: “She caught his eye with her bubbly nature and bright red vibrant hair.

“They hit it off and married in 1954 when she was just 20 years old and she became Mrs Margaret newton.”

In 66 happy years together they had five children: Cheryl, Lynne, Wendy, Ian and Keith.

Mr Newton said: “She found her true calling as a mother and she was a natural; loving and cherishing every moment with them”

It was when she went back to work in the early 1970s that Margaret became a popular waitress at the El Greco café, well known for going the extra mile for her customers.

The café was best known for its distinctive three porthole style windows.

Mr Newton said: “She soon became well known by many people as she was a truly amazing lady who always had time to listen or provide a sneaky free meal to those who she knew were struggling.

“She was full of life and always created laughter around her.”

Margaret was just as vibrant a personality in her leisure time with Mr Newton describing her as a glamorous, elegant lady.

He said: “She loved nothing more than going to the club on a Saturday night to play bingo and have a dance with her daughters.

“She also loved going for a drive in the countryside with her husband Alf, a flask of coffee and their beloved dog Harry.”

Later years brought grandchildren and great children

Margaret eventually died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on July 14 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Newton said that he will always love his grandmother.

He said: “The pain is unbearable when you lose someone so very special and your left with just memories and our hearts are truly shattered and broken.

“However, we are all so lucky to have been part of her journey and will remember her always with the greatest love and affection.”