TRIBUTES have been paid to Halton’s Honorary Alderman and former Mayor Catherine Gerrard.

The funeral of the 86-year-old former Widnes, Halton Councillor and Cheshire County Councillor from Bankfield Road was held at Widnes Crematorium yesterday (Tuesday).

Civic dignitaries joined her family and friends to pay their respects to this dedicated politican who served the local community for more than 18 years.

Council leader Clr Rob Polhill said: “She was very passionate about her work.

“She always had time for people and did a lot of good for the town.”

Halton MP Derek Twigg said: “She was a stalwart of the Labour party. I have known her since I was a youngster. We used to live in the same road.

“She was very down to earth but really did make her mark.”

Her daughter, Clare said: “She was such a colourful, forthright and passionate personality with a clear determination to change and enrich the environment and borough for the benefit of its people.

“She worked tirelessly for those who were less fortunate.”

She said her mum embraced her role as Mayor in 1980 with great enthusiasm.

Clare added: “Some of her favourite moments included tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace and a visit to Japan with YKK.”

She remembered inspecting HMS Hubertson with her mum, who served in the Wrens, and her dad, James, who was in the Navy.

She said her mum was honoured to attend the dedication of the new ecumenical church of St Basil & All Saints in Hough Green.

Clare added: “Having an imaginative, bold sense of drive with solid principles, with a feel of duty to encourage other women to be at the forefront of their occupational area, this didn’t always sit well with the gentlemen of chambers of which quietly amused her.”

Catherine had three sons, Tony, Stan (deceased) and Paul, and two daughters, Clare and Francis (deceased).