FORMER Mayor of Bury Victor Guthrie has died at the age of 73.

Mr Guthrie, of Elm Grove, Whitefield, was a councillor in Prestwich for 29 years and was Mayor of Bury in 1980-81.

His interest in politics was sparked when wife Joan (75) started to work part-time as a Conservative Party agent after their youngest daughter started school.

Mrs Guthrie went on to become the agent for Prestwich and Middleton, before Prestwich became part of the borough of Bury, and she was the first election agent for former Bury South MP David Sumberg.

Just recently she was the election agent for Tory hopeful Nicola Le Page. Mr Guthrie began his career in politics as a councillor for Prestwich North ward and after local government reorganisation represented St Mary's Ward for many years.

A former catering manager, he worked for Granada Television and later for an oil company.

A highlight of his career was when he became mayor, which Mrs Guthrie said he enjoyed because he liked meeting different people.

"He was a great socialiser and he liked people," said Mrs Guthrie. "He was a really nice guy."

Mr Guthrie was interested in further education and youth issues and he was once the chairman of education. Until recently he was president of Bury South Conservative Association.

He was also very involved with the Jewish Day School in Prestwich and Our Lady of Grace Primary School.

The Guthries, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in July, suffered a blow 13 years ago when they lost their eldest daughter, Debbie, to cancer at the age of 34.

Although Mr Guthrie had a heart attack around six years ago, he had not suffered a long illness and spent five weeks in Fairfield Hospital before dying at home from cancer.

Mr Guthrie said: "At least Vic did not suffer and he wasn't in pain."

Fellow Tory councillor Bernie Vincent paid tribute to Mr Guthrie, whom he considered as a valued friend, knowing him through his work for the Conservative party.

He said: "He was the sort of person who was always helping other people. He worked hard for the local residents, especially those in St Mary's ward where he was a councillor for many years."

"He was a very good man and will be sadly missed."

The funeral was held yesterday, (Thurs December 27), at Blackley Crematorium and the Mayor of Bury, Coun Paul Nesbit, was expected to attend.

Mr Guthrie leaves a wife, daughter, Lindsay (42) and four grandchildren.