THE funeral of Pat Wilson, the founder of one of East Lancashire’s longest-established dance schools, will be held on Friday.

It will be take place at Lytham Methodist Church at 3pm.

Mrs Wilson, who died aged 81 last month, set up the Pat Eakets School of Dance and Drama in Blackburn in 1966.

Her son Simon said: "My mother was a wonderful role model in these times of gender equality, as a woman who, in difficult times, single-handedly created and developed a successful business and helped many others, mainly women, to follow in her path.

"Her mantra was always to 'Try to do your best and if that’s not good enough...Try Harder!'.

"She was also, despite her tenacity at her business, a devoted and loving mother, who tried to do 'Her Best' for her children and in later life her grandchildren.

She will be sorely missed by all. If anyone wishes to join in the celebration of Pat’s life, then they are welcome."

She also left another son Nick and a daughter Saffron.