A BOLTON woman who made a rich contribution to the cultural life of the town has died.

Jean Hansen had her roots in the theatre. Her father was manager of the Grand Theatre in Churchgate where she got her earliest taste of the entertainment world.

A pupil at Bolton School, she became a teacher and enjoyed a successful career at Darwen Grammar School and then at Turton High.

Jean also had a real talent for writing and producing, and wrote sketches for St James's Church in Breightmet. She was an active member of Opera 74 and also Bolton Little Theatre.

In 1992, she organised the European Organ Festival in Bolton, and was also a popular compere of events like fashion shows across the borough as well as helping produce the town's talking newspaper for the blind, Newstalk.

She also teamed up with experienced teacher and performer Margaret Lindsay to create Counterpoint, which brought together top singers to entertain audiences in a wide variety of concerts

Longtime friend Elizabeth Tatman said: "Jean provided fun and laughter, and always put a smile on your face."

Jean is survived by daughter Pipp and son Andrew.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday at Christ Church, Heaton at 3.30pm, with donations to Bolton Hospice.

Among the mourners will be Jonathan Boardman, Vicar of the Anglican Church in Rome.