A FORMER mayoress of Blackburn has died after losing her battle against cancer.

Maisie Tarbuck, wife of veteran local councillor Jack, died on December 30 at Nazareth House residential care home, in Preston New Road.

She lost her fight against cancer, leaving her husband, four children and six grandchildren.

The popular naturalist, known as an environmental expert by her friends and family, first moved into the area with Jack in 1951. She was never far from the public eye thanks to Jack's tireless interest in politics.

Daughter Rosalind said: "She was always keen on wild flowers and the environment, way before it was popular to be so.

"She knew her wild flowers, where you thought it was weeds, she would find this that and the other!"

Maisie's husband was a politician for almost four decades, and headteacher of St Luke's Primary School, Blackburn, until his retirement.

The former mayor and chairman of Blackburn Rural District Council decided not to stand for re-election aged 82 .

As mayoress, from 1983 to 1984, Maisie campaigned tirelessly for a butterfly garden, which was eventually opened near to Pleasington Cemetery.

The couple, who lived in Cherry Tree, would have been married 63 years next month. They met in Cheshire as teenagers.

Rosalind said: "She will be sadly missed and will be well loved by her family."

The funeral will take place on Wednesday, January 7, at St Luke's Church, Bank Top. The family has requested that any donations should be made to the Church of England's children charity.