Concert in memory of charity fundraiser

TRIBUTES were paid to a much-loved charity stalwart at a carol concert held in her memory.

Joyce Ashworth, from Whitworth, died in October following a brave four-year battle with cancer.

More than 240 people attended her funeral at St Bartholomew’s Church in Whitworth.

Joyce, 88, was wellknown across Whitworth, having been a volunteer at the town’s Cancer Research UK branch for more than 50 years.

Her work helped raise more than £360,000 for the Paterson Laboratory at The Christie, funding numerous pieces of equipment to help fight cancer.

And this year’s Cancer Research annual carol concert at the Riverside - held in Joyce’s honour - saw its largest-ever audience as friends and relatives came to pay tribute to her.

The concert featured Whitworth senior and youth bands and the audience were entertained with lots of Christmas music and carols.

During the concert, volunteers from the Whitworth branch of Cancer Research UK also handed over the £12,000 they have raised this year to the charity. ●● Coun Alyson Barnes A CABBIE has had his taxi driver’s licence revoked by Rossendale council after refusing to pick up a blind woman with her guide dog.

Jeanette Fyfe booked a taxi but was left stranded in the pouring rain after the driver refused to take the booking.

The driver, whose name has not been made public, has now had his cab licence revoked at a council hearing after Jeanette, who lives in Sale and is registered blind, lodged a complaint. He has 21 days to appeal.