A FORMER Bolton weaving supervisor awarded the British Empire Medal in 1976 has died aged 85 after a long battle with illness.

Tributes have been paid to Eveline Connison -- former supervisor at Tootall's Cotton Mill in Sunnyside Mills, Adelaide Street, Bolton.

She was awarded the BEM and a framed letter from the Queen for services to industry after being named in the New Year's Honours List.

Miss Connison was born in Howard Street, Bolton, in 1916. She had two sisters and a brother but never married. She left school aged 14 and worked at the mill, becoming weaving supervisor for 25 years. She spent 45 years at the mill, retiring in 1976 aged 60.

Miss Connison was awarded a prestigious national textile scholarship in 1950. She was also involved with industrial radio debates and travelled to America to lecture.

Niece Norma Wilkinson said: "She went to garden parties at Buckingham Palace on a number of occasions and met most of the Royal Family including Princess Diana. She had many close friends and was a lovely woman who was intelligent and kind."

Miss Connison died peacefully in her sleep at the Royal Bolton Hospital on February 14. Her funeral was held at the Church of the Nazerene in Southend Street, Bolton, followed by a service at Overdale Crematorium.