A PILLAR of the Atherton community, Mrs Cecil Brooks, has died at the age of 83.

Originally from Girvan, in Scotland, Cecil's association with the town began in 1958 when her Lancashire-born husband Granville was promoted to manager of the William Deacon's bank (now the Royal Bank of Scotland) in Market Street.

The couple met when he was stationed in Scotland during the Second World War and on his promotion they moved to Over Hulton.

Cecil soon swung into the community spirit, becoming a member of Atherton Inner Wheel, serving twice as its president in 1968-69 and 1983-84, and as treasurer for many years.

Her Inner Wheel activities included helping to run the Over 70s' Club on Thursdays in the Formby Hall and, somewhat to the surprise of her family, enthusiastic participation in Inner Wheel dramatic productions for which Cecil made all her own costumes.

For many years Cecil was a trolley volunteer at Atherleigh Hospital and on Granville's retirement the couple could be seen every Wednesday lunch time delivering meals on wheels to the town's elderly.

In 1992 she helped found the Atherton Women's Institute and was its treasurer for 10 years. She was also a regular member of Atherton Luncheon Club. Despite her many voluntary activities Cecil still found time to pursue her love of the outdoors, walking in the Lake District and gardening.

She leaves a daughter Sheilagh and five grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted at St Andrew's Church, Four Lane Ends, Over Hulton on Monday, January 9 at 1pm, followed by cremation at Howe Bridge.