BOLTON showed its love for a councillor who gave so much to the town she loved on St Valentine's Day.
A civic funeral was held this afternoon in honour of Cllr Christine Wild, who died on February 3.
The Mayor's car led the funeral cortege through Le Mans Crescent, pausing for moment outside the town hall, where the flag was flying at half-mast.
The cortege made its way to Bolton Parish Church, where in a poignant tribute, pupils from Sharples Secondary School formed a guard of honour. To them, Cllr Wild was their chair of governors who worked tirelessly to make the school the outstanding place of learning which it is today.
Red and pink flowers adorned the coffin as the mace bearer led the pall bearers, the town's civic leaders and her family into the church, as hundreds stood in respect.
Following the local elections Cllr Wild was appointed Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and was ward councillor for Westhoughton North and Chew Moor.
Among those gathered included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant ,Cllr David Greenhalgh and the Chief Executive of Bolton Council Tony Oakman.
The service was led by Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle.
He said: "We thank the Lord for Christine's life, the richness and fullness, the memories here in this building, the thousands and thousands of memories we bring with us and take away with us. The great number of people her in church today is great testimony to the high esteem Christine was held in."
Her son,James delivered the eulogy on behalf of the family, including his father Paul, a serving Bolton Councillor, and his brother Matthew. Cllr Wild's granddaughter Millie read out the beautiful uplifting poem "She is Gone".
James said: "There is no doubt about the love we all share her for her, she has impacted each and everyone here."
He spoke about his mother's passion to ensure all children received the best possible start in life through their school and the time she gave to Westhoughton and Bolton. He said as a mother she created memories the family will "cherish in the days and years to come".
James concluded Cllr Wild "would have been humbled and deeply honoured" by the civic service held to recognise her contribution to her hometown.
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