THE funeral has been held of a respected councillor affectionately known as Ramsbottom's answer to Margaret Thatcher.

Councillors and council chiefs yesterday paid their respects to long-standing Rossendale councillor Evelyn Waite.

Throughout her life, Evelyn, 82, of Park Avenue, Ramsbottom, made an outstanding contribution to the town after moving from London where she worked as a nurse in the Second World War.

After arriving in Edenfield in 1946, she successfully campaigned for a baby clinic in the village, and was well known for her dedication as a district nurse.

In 1973 she was elected to Bury Council and gave up paid employment to fulfil her council role.

She served on the East Lancashire Railway board, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, Association of Metropolitan Authorities in London and the National Libraries Board.

As the mayor of Bury in 1986/87, she was described by fellow councillor Dorothy Gunther as a 'formidable opponent who always knew her subject and could never be fobbed off.'

Ramsbottom councillor Barry Theckston said this week: "I agree with many people when they say she was one of the most respected councillors in the borough and probably one of the best.

"Some might have called her old-fashioned. She liked to do things above party policy. She always said exactly what she thought and often she was right.

"I think she knew how to use a handbag long before Mrs Thatcher!

"She did a lot of good work for the town and public services. Even up to the last couple of weeks, as the secretary of the Aid in Sickness Fund, she was working hard, putting together Christmas hampers."

Mrs Waite was also known for her voluntary work as a Guide captain, a founder member of Shuttleworth in Ramsbottom's Women's Institute, Ramsbottom Cottage Hospital League of Friends and Ramsbottom Aid in Sickness Fund.

To add to her impressive list of achievements, she was also involved in the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and was instrumental in establishing the Ramsbottom meals-on-wheels service.

She leaves her husband Harold and daughter Ann.

Her funeral was held at St John in the Wilderness Church, Shuttleworth, and was followed by cremation at Burnley.