FORMER Bradford Lady Mayoress Jean Cairns, who supported her husband, Tony, as Lord Mayor of Bradford in 1997/1998, has died.

At a meeting of full council on Tuesday, current Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Abid Hussain expressed his sorrow at the news of Mrs Cairns’ death, on Monday, January 15, saying she was a “steadfast support to her husband” in his term as mayor.

He asked for a minute’s silence prior to the meeting.

Councillor Hussain said: “Though their year in office was both busy and varied, it is fondly remembered for the time, care and consideration with which they undertook their civic engagement, as well as the lasting impression of charm and friendliness they left on all with whom they came into contact during it.

“I am writing to Tony and his family to express our sympathy in their loss.”

Mrs Cairns, who left All Saints’ School at the age of 14, had become a marriage guidance counsellor but gave up the work when she returned to college as a mature student.

She left Huddersfield with a BSc in technology.

This was after Mr Cairns has also taken the mature student plunge and gained a BA degree in history at Huddersfield.

The couple were also keen supporters of Adult Learners’ Week.

Their year in office included: the Freedom of the City for Barbara Castle; Centenary Day when the sun shone on Bradford’s new square; hosting Yorkshire Day in front of the Lord Mayors of Leeds, Hull and York and attending the premiere of the new Cottingley Fairies film.

Mrs Cairns also organised for 700 children in care to attend a pantomime matinee at the Alhambra theatre.

Another proud moment was when she attended Buckingham Palace, in 2007, when her husband collected his OBE for services to aviation through his role as deputy chairman and chairman of Leeds Bradford Airport.