THE funeral of Mrs Gladys Holmes of Flixton took place at Hale Cemetery Chapel on March 22. She died on March 15, she was 89.

Born in Millington, Gladys was the widow of Sydney and was also a former resident of Timperley, where she lived for more than 60 years.

Gladys began her working life as a "smocker" at Bannerman's and worked there until she married Sydney, the love of her life, in 1937. They ran a grocery shop in Timperley for more than 33 years.

In 1933 her dad sent her photo as an entrant for the Cotton Queen and that year she became Miss Manchester. In 1934 Gladys was crowned Cotton Queen of Great Britain and travelled throughout Britain, attending galas, fetes and balls, always in the company of her chaperone.

When Syd retired they moved to Market Drayton, Lincoln, and then to Wem. After her husband died, Gladys came back to Flixton and enjoyed family life with her niece and nephew.

She is survived by her sisters, Annie, Vera and Kathleen.

Funeral arrangements by Ann Blyth Funeral Services.