Community leaders in South Ribble have paid tribute to a former mayor who died on Sunday.

Betty Greenland died just weeks after the death of her husband Arthur who passed away on Christmas Day.

Born in Farington, Mrs Greenland was educated at Balshaws school, Leyland, and later attended the City of Bath College.

She was Labour councillor for All Saints ward from 1985-99. In 1996, she became mayor of South Ribble.

Current mayor, Councillor Dorothy Foster, said: "Betty was a well loved and respected member of our council for many years. She did a wonderful job."

Mrs Greenland, of Larchgate, Hoghton, taught at various schools in the area and was headteacher of William Temple, Fulwood, (now Archbishop William TempleHigh School) until her retirement.

As a mother-of-three she juggled homelife and work with political commitments.

She was involved with Chorley and South Ribble Carers Association and was a governor at Coppice School, Bamber Bridge, and chairman of governors at Gregson Lane Primary School.

South Ribble council leader Coun Howard Gore, said: "Betty was a wonderful woman who cared passionately for the people she represented."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.