Former Bolton Mayor Eric Johnson celebrates his 100th birthday

Eric Johnson was Mayor of Bolton from 1996 to 1997, and Mayor of Blackrod twice, from 1988-89, and1993-94.

He came to Horwich in 1977 from St Helens to work at the former Horwich Loco Works.

Eric Johnson during his time as mayor of Bolton

Mr Johnson began his birthday celebrations on Saturday when he went for a family meal in Horwich, and will be celebrating today with family from Glasgow and York, who could not attend due to the recent weather, and a grand-daughter who had Covid .

Daughter, Pauline Malley, said: "Today will be just a little surprise for him.

"He will be supportive of it.

"He is just remarkable for his age really.

"He is still really sharp and still a member of the labour party and looks at what is happening in the world."

From left to right: Daughters Maureen Thompson, Pauline Malley and Sue Lee, celebrating with their father

Mr Johnson and his wife Ida have two other daughters, Maureen and Susan, and eight grandchildren.

He said his proudest moment when he was mayor was when he met the Queen, at a reception that was held to open a new swimming baths.

Mr Johnson became a councillor in 1979 and was chairman of the environment and consumer sub committee.

He retired in 2000, at the age of 78, and was sorry to leave the council.

Pauline said that her dad "enjoyed every minute" of being a councillor, but he especially loved "fiery council debates, because he didn't hold back".

He told The Bolton News he liked "lashing into the opposition".

Mr Johnson was known to many councillors for being a fiery orator, and as mayor he was not allowed to join in political debates during their year in office.

But in 1997 Mr Johnson was standing in for the Mayor Cllr Peter Birch who was ill.

And when the late Liberal Democrat Bob Ronson quoted Mr Blair on a complex issue about local government finance, Mr Johnson leapt out of his chair and accused Cllr Ronson of "trying to bend the truth."

Eric Johnson celebrating his 100th birthday

Pauline said: "He has been such a good example, having a full life, being a councillor, and putting others before himself."

Mr Johnson took early retirement after the Loco Works closed in 1983, having worked in the railway industry for 47 years.

In addition to his council work, he served in the RAF during the Second World War, but transferred to the army towards end of War.

Pauline said: "He loves Bolton, and his life has been here for so long.

"He has a big affection for Bolton and the area around here and he is glad to call it home."

Eric Johnson excited to open his well wishes from the Queen