It was a night of pride for two of borough’s previous mayors as they were recognised for their years of long service.

Retired councillors Noel Spencer and Linda Byrne were respectively made honorary alderman and alderwoman of the borough before this month’s full meeting of Bolton Council.

Nominating Mr Spencer for the honour, council leader Linda Thomas said Noel was “a man of the people”

She added: “I’m delighted I’m able to officially able to say thank you, and I think there’s no greater way than officially making him an alderman of the town.”

And Cllr Debbie Newall paid tribute to her former Breightmet ward colleague Mrs Byrne, describing her as a “first class councillor and mayor”. She said: “She is a very kind person and a shining example for women everywhere who aspire to have a political career. This honour is richly deserved.”