The town is mourning two well-known characters who have died.

Former Macclesfield mayor and borough councillor Muriel Clampett died after a long battle with cancer.

Grandmother-of-four Mrs Clampett, of Pendlebury Gardens, Lyme Green, died aged 77 at the East Cheshire Hospice on Friday.

Her son Peter Clampett, who lives on Stannier Close, Lyme Green, said: “Mum died very peacefully at the hospice. She knew a lot of people over the years, as a friend, neighbour and councillor.”

The current Mayor of Macclesfield, Coun David Neilson, said: “Muriel Clampett will be remembered by many, she was a dear friend of mine.

“She was very forthright and vocal, and fought for things that she wanted in her community. She was a big supporter of Macclesfield.”

Mrs Clampett's funeral will take place on Monday, April 11, at 11.30pm, at St James the Great, Gawsworth.

Lady Eleanor Mather will be remembered as an artist, golfer, fundraiser - and for saving Whirley Hall from dereliction.

The great-grandmother of 13, who would have been 95 on April 28, lived with her late husband Sir William at Whirley Hall, near Henbury, for 60 years. She died on March 24.

More than 130 mourners attend her funeral at St Catherine's Church, Birtles.

Her daughter Jennifer Murray, a record-breaking round-the-world helicopter pilot, read a eulogy, while an address was given by her son William, a former vicar.

Afterwards, William said: "She was much loved for her caring concern, enthusiasm, warmth and generosity.”
 
A Service of Thanksgiving for her life is to take place at St Mary's, Nether Alderley at 2pm on Friday,  May 20.

For full tributes see next week's Express.