A MEMORIAL service will be held for a former headteacher of the then Avondale Secondary School for Girls.

Frances Trippett, headteacher at the school for 16 years in the 1950s and 60s, died in January at the age of 96 after a short illness.

For the last year of her life she lived at Langdon House Residential Home in Cambridge but previously lived in Blackpool.

Peter Trippett, nephew, has now organised a service to celebrate his aunt's 96 years of life at the chapel of Chorley Cemetery, Southport Road, Chorley, on Saturday, March 15 at 12.30pm.

Peter, 49, of Earith, Huntingdon, said: "She was very well known in Darwen and I would like to speak to the people who knew her. She left the school just before it became mixed in the 1960s.

"A family service was held recently at Cambridge Crematorium and it was her wish that her ashes should be buried in the family grave at Chorley Cemetery.

"Regrettably many of her friends were unable to attend the service so we decided to hold another one in March.

"I'm also looking for anyone with any stories or anecdotes relating to my aunt to get in touch."

A buffet will be served in the function room of the Hartwood Hall Hotel, Preston Road, Chorley, following the service.

Anyone wishing to attend the service should contact Peter on 01487 740971, or former Avondale student Wendy Marsh on 01254 664033.