A MAN accused of causing the death of former Bolton mayoress Gay Wharton by dangerous driving has admitted his guilt.

Appearing via a video link at Bolton Crown Court Asad Hussain, aged 23, of Maplewood Gardens, Bolton pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mrs Wharton when driving an Audi S3 on Chorley New Road, Bolton, on November 13.

His co-accused, Wasim Iqbal, aged 23, of Chorley New Road, Bolton denies the same offence, also in an Audi S3, and attempting to pervert the course of justice by disposing of a mobile phone, clothing and a car key.

Members of Mrs Wharton's family were present in court as a date of June 1 next year was set for Iqbal's trial. It is expected to last for five days.

Hussain will be sentenced at the conclusion of Iqbal's trial and both men were remanded in custody.

Colin Buckle, prosecuting, told the Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Martin Walsh, that the investigation into Mrs Wharton's death is still "fluid" and Greater Manchester Police is still appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Officers believe more CCTV and dashcam footage may be available and police are issuing a further appeal.

"These witnesses who have possession of it simply haven't come forward," said Mr Buckle.

Police were called at 12.05pm November 13 to Chorley New Road to reports of a collision involving a black Audi and a pedestrian.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the pedestrian, 58-year-old Gay Wharton, who served as the town's mayor, died at the scene.

Grandmother Mrs Wharton was a pioneering mayoress alongside 2014 mayor Cllr Martin Donaghy and a second mayoress Jacqueline Tracey.

The trio had worked together at Sainsbury’s in Bolton town centre.

Tributes have flooded in for her since her death.