A GRATEFUL Borough bid farewell to Bill Smith on Friday.

The Tyldesley mayor, who died after a long battle against cancer, was fondly remembered in a funeral service at St George's Church.

A congregation approaching 400 included MPs Terry Lewis, Lawrence Cunliffe, ex-Mayors Sam Little, Arthur Wright, Joe Clarke, Stan Simmons, Jack Sumner, Jimmy Jones, Bernard Coyle, Mrs Ann Wilmot (wife of the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester), retired Wigan Police Chief Gordon Burton, Supt Malcolm Howells of Leigh sub-division and one of his forerunners, retired Supt Brian Lees.

Others included Council colleagues, Mayors of Greater Manchester and adjoining authorities, court officials, magistrates and St John Ambulance representatives (he was president of the Tyldesley branch).

St Anne's pupils Ross Bradley, Kaya Ince and Todd Rushworth, had pride of place in the chancel alongside the Mayor's coffin.

They had brought with them 'A picture of Bill' by schoolmate Rebecca Stevens.

Then the Year Six and Year Five juniors highlighted their reasons why he was held in such esteem.

"He was very special to us . . . He always smiled and made us feel happy . . . We loved his funny jokes, the help he gave us with maths . . . Most of all his love".

Lord Smith of Leigh: "A sad and moving day for me and my colleagues. Everything he did commanded the respect of everyone he met.

"The most honest person I ever met. He was loyal and hard working."

Relating to Bill Smith's work as a member of Greater Manchester Police Authority he said: "He realised if we are going to tackle the problem of crime we have to work with the police and give them the tools and allow them to get on with it."

And he praised the "bravery and courage" he had shown in recent months. "He had nothing but praised for the staff in Wigan Infirmary who treated him," said Lord Smith.

"The only thing I heard him complain about was that he couldn't continue his Mayoral duties."

Lessons were read by Cllr Tom Sherratt, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council and Father Tom McNally.

The preacher, Mayor's Chaplain and Rector of Atherton Bill Baldwin, said he was delighted when he was asked to become the Mayor's chaplain "not to be doing so for the Mayor, but to be doing it for Bill Smith".

He said he was concerned about people's welfare and loved the cut and thrust of an argument and never held a personal grudge

"He respected anyone anyone who would stand his corner. He was a man for whom I had high regard; a man of unity. He wanted to bring people together."

After the service private cremation took place at Wigan.

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