LONG-serving village school headmistress Mrs Phyllis Maud Unwin has died aged 84.

Howe Bridge born Mrs Unwin (nee Bamford), of Bolton Road, Atherton, was the last infants' head at the village school.

She held the post from 1948 until 1975, 27 years of devoted and caring service to pupils who she never forgot.

Her infant daughter died during the war years and her husband, Reginald, passed away in 1958.

A close friend told The Journal: "She was a lady of dignity and warmth, courageous and uncomplaining in time of illness.

"She will be missed, and remembered with affection, by her carers, friends and relatives."

The funeral was on Monday at St Michael's and All Angels' Church, Howe Bridge and Overdale Crematorium.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.