A FACTORY manager who hosted Margaret Thatcher when she was the leader of the Tory party has described her presence as ‘immense’.

Alan Boardwell, of Fence, showed the ambitious politician around Brierfield Mills’ Smith and Nephew textiles in 1977, during one of her visits to East Lancashire.

As education secretary in 1970, Mrs Thatcher spoke to girls and staff at Blackburn’s Westholme School in Mein’s Road, and presented staff with a cigarette box.

She was also besieged by placard-waving children and adults at Chorley District Hospital in 1977, calling for her to use her power as leader of the opposition to halt plans to close the children’s ward.

Mr Boardwell, 72, said he believed his bosses chose him to lead Mrs Thatcher around the factory as they were afraid of her.

He said: “She was quite a formidable person. Her presence was immense.

“There was a group of militant men, mechanics, looking to rib her, but she didn’t give them the opportunity to catch her unawares.”