A CIVIC funeral will be held to honour the life of a councillor who dedicated much of her life to helping others.

The town hall flag is flying at half-mast following the sudden death of Cllr Christine Wild.

Cllr Wild served as ward councillor for Westhoughton North and Chew Moor and as Bolton Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services.

A service will be held at Bolton Parish Church on Friday at noon.

This will be followed by a private committal service at Overdale Crematorium for family and close friends only.

A wake will be held at the Lancaster Suite in Bolton Town Hall, with the family joining everybody at around 2pm.

The Mayor's car will lead the funeral cortege and en route to the parish church, the cortege will drive onto Le Mans Crescent, pausing for a moment as a mark of respect outside the Town Hall building, where Cllr Wild worked.

Pupils at Sharples School, where Cllr Wild was Chair of Governors, will form a guard of honour.

A civic funeral is offered to any serving councillor, Mayor of Bolton, Chief Executive, Person with the Freedom of the Borough, Honorary Alderman/woman

The civic party includes the Mace Bearer, mayor,mayoress/consort, Chief Executive, and Leader of Council

Cllr Wild first stood for Bolton Council in 2008 and served until 2012 becoming councillor for Westhoughton North and Chew Moor before regaining her seat in 2016.

Following the recent council elections, she was appointed lead for Children's Services, a field she was passionate about.

As Cllr Wild dedicated much of her life to supporting others, particularly children, the family are inviting donations in lieu of flowers to Children Today; a charity providing grants for vital, specialised equipment to families in need.

Cllr Wild's husband, Paul, who is a serving councillor, said: "The family are very proud that a civic service will be held for Christine. She never sought any official recognition for the work she did, and she worked so hard and did so much ­— and this service will reflect her dedication."

Paul added: "I have received over a hundreds cards with a verse about Christine, she had touched so many people."

Bolton MP Chris Green, paying tribute to Cllr Wild, said: "She worked tirelessly and was well-known and well-loved right across Bolton.

All donations and enquiries should go to Howarth’s Funeral Service, 638 Blackburn Road, Bolton Tel: 01204 309609.