RITA Jones, driving force behind Leigh's charter celebrations, is recovering in hospital following major surgery (writes MALCOLM RYDING).

The Leigh businesswoman - affectionately known as the 'Mrs Millennium' of the organising committee - will miss the week-long calendar of events she and her committee have arranged for the town's 100th anniversary.

Get well cards have been flooding into Colliers of Railway Road, Leigh, which Rita runs with husband , Brian. He told The Journal: "People have been so kind. It's a difficult time for us and so sad that Rita's not been able to help Belinda in the last two weeks. But Rita's determined to be at church, even if it's in a wheelchair- she's that sort of lady."

And joint-chairman of the Charter Committee, Cllr Tom Sherratt said: "Rita had been working hard and looking forward to the celebrations.

"We all wish Rita a speedy recovery."

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