A FORMER mayoress of Blackburn has died aged 86.

Nora Swanton was the borough's first lady during her husband Jim's tenure as mayor from 1974-1975. She passed away peacefully in Blackburn Royal Infirmary on Sunday, October 5.

Mrs Swanton was a meals-on-wheels helper with the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and lived with her husband in Ashworth Terrace, Darwen.

Jim Swanton was elected to the former Darwen Borough Council as a Conservative member for the Central Ward in 1970. Both were active workers for Darwen Old People's Welfare Committee.

A service at St Peter's Church on Friday is due to be followed by a committal at Pleasington Crematorium.