A DEDICATED voluntary worker who gave much of her time to the children of the Johnson Fold Estate has died.

Lilian Kearns had been suffering from cancer and died at the Hazelbrook Christian Nursing Home in Horwich with her family at her bedside.

Lilian, aged 83, recently featured in the Bolton Evening News and tributes were paid to her by the people who knew her best, including youth worker Gerry Luczka who worked with Lilian for more than 20 years.

He will speak at the funeral on Wednesday at St Peter's Church, in Church Road, Bolton, at 11am, followed by committal at Overdale West Chapel at noon.

Lilian started the junior club at Johnson Fold Primary School, which became known affectionately as "Lilian's Club".

She organised a pensioners' luncheon club and spearheaded campaigns for a play area and all-weather pitch.

Lilian was actively involved in setting up the youth project Youthopia.

Her daughter, 61-year-old Lilian Myerscough, said the funeral would celebrate her mother's life and added that the family had received a great deal of support from friends.

She said : "It will be a thanksgiving service, based on her life since she moved on to the estate.

"It has been wonderful and we really appreciate the kind messages from everyone who knew mum."