THE beauty, inspiration and the vision of the boroughs women was celebrated at the seventh Bury Woman of the Year luncheon.

More than 150 women from varied walks of life attended the event at the Elizabethan Suite at Bury Town Hall to find out who would be honoured with the prestigious title.

Fears that changes to entry rules - where nominees cannot be put forward again if they have been nominated in the last two years - would attract fewer people to the luncheon proved unfounded.

In fact the top table, made up of representatives of the judging panel, Bury Mayoress Coun Sharon Briggs, trustees of the Bury Hospice and the guest speaker, were put on the stage to make more room.

The turnout showed that the event has become very much a part of the boroughs social calendar - and an important fundraiser for Bury Hospice. To date the event has raised more than £50,000 for the Dumers Lane charity.

However, the changes in the criteria for nominees, did mean there were fewer nominations this year than in previous years, with only eight put forward for the title. Organisers are hoping there will be more new faces next year.

Nominees included volunteers from local organisations and a journalist on a Jewish newspaper.

The winner was Sylvia Taylor, from Ramsbottom - a driver for the Womens Royal Voluntary Service.

Ladies, who were most definitely dressed to impress, enjoyed a bucks fizz reception as they mingled with the nominees and top table guests. They also indulged in a little retail therapy before lunch and enjoyed a browse round stalls set up by local firms.

A four-course lunch was accompanied by live music courtesy of students at Bury College.

Following the meal, guest speaker Sheila Macdonald entertained the women. She gave an illustrated talk of her life as a mother, wife and the executive and chief operating officer of the Co-operative Bank.

Mrs Macdonald made history in 1999 when she became the first woman to be appointed as an executive of the UK Clearing Bank. In 2002 she was appointed the chief operating officer.

Dr Helen Gilchrist, principal of Bury College and chairwoman of the judging panel, told the audience that, like that of the guest speaker, the lives of nominees were also ones of "juggling responsibilities".

She said: "This is one of the most pleasant tasks of the year. The decision again was very difficult. Every year you think it may get easier, but it gets harder and the criteria gets tighter and the marks get tighter. It is a very difficult job."

Paying tribute to the women of Bury, Dr Gilchrist said: "Bury women are upwards thinking, they are bright, questioning, beautiful. They are visionary, inspirational and the work they do with the community is marvellous."

To the nominees, she said: "You are full of energy and make sure that people around you receive warmth and care. Congratulations to each and every one of you for your wonderful work."

Last year's Bury Woman of the Year, Miss Betty Heyworth, added: "I have had the privilege to participate in fundraising events for the hospice. This has been a very special year."

Her address was followed by the announcement of the winner, made by the mayoress. Coun Briggs said: "The demands on women are numerous and often unappreciated. Events like this seek to redress that balance.

"All the nominees are to be admired for dedication, commitment and unselfishness."

Coun Briggs said of the winner: "She helps many in the community. I hope she enjoys the recognition and is delighted to be Bury Woman of the Year."