Tributes for 'lovely and gentle' former Burnley mayoress and popular 'dinner lady' who has died at the age of 80

Janet Wyld spent over 20 years working at St John's Primary School in Cliviger which both her children attended.

Mrs Wyld's ready smile, kindness and gentle nature made her a firm favourite with the pupils in her care.

She was also a former Mayoress of Burnley, serving in office with her late husband and former councillor James Wyld in 1985 to 86. Naturally modest and shy, Mrs Wyld did not relish the spotlight that came with the role.

She joined the Mayoress's committee and went on to serve it for over 30 years.

Committee secretary Ida Carmichael paid tribute to Mrs Wyld as someone who carried out her roles with 'quiet dignity and elegance.'

Ida said: "She was a lovely, gentle lady and she leaves us all with a tapestry of beautiful memories to cherish.

"She will be deeply missed. "

Members of the committee will form a guard of honour for Mrs Wyld when her private family funeral takes place at St John's Church in Cliviger later this month.

Originally from the Duke Bar area of Burnley, Mrs Wyld was a keen swimmer as a child, a hobby she enjoyed with her sister Brenda. She moved to Cliviger after tying the knot with her husband.

After his death in 2014 Mrs Wyld moved to a bungalow closer to her daughter Kathryn's home in the village.

Paying tribute to her mum, Kathryn said: "My mum remained independent yet not alone as she was so close to us.

"She really was a lovely lady who was always smiling."

Family was everything to Mrs Wyld and she doted on her grandchildren, James (20) and 18-year-old Katy.

She was heavily involved in every aspect of their lives and was extremely proud to see James go to Lancaster University to study Maths. Her pride doubled last month when Katy achieved three A* in her A level exams and won a place at Lancaster to study Chinese, linguistics and French.

Mrs Wyld also leaves a son James, daughter in law Susan, nieces and nephews.