Lily Reid, described as "the voice of the mentally ill in Bury", was hailed for more than 40 years' "devotion" to the borough.

The 90-year-old has advocated for residents suffering from severe and enduring mental illness almost her entire working life, spurred on by her personal experiences.

The Bury hero, who was awarded an MBE for her services to the community in 2007, officially retired 10 years ago.

But she continues to volunteer every Friday night with Musical Memories, a social support group for those living with dementia.

Mrs Reid said: "When my son, Christopher, was 15, we noticed a change in him. I had worked in mental health in Scotland and had an idea it could be associated with mental illness.

"Christopher was very clever and did well at school but when he was 17, his illness seemed to come with a vengeance.

"We initially took him to day care at Fairfield General Hospital. Then he asked me to go to the Mosses Centre with him where he said there were "people like him."

"I felt I belonged there and I had a feeling I could help them."

When Bury Council acquired Parsons Lane - now Bury Older People's Memory Assessment Service - Mrs Reid was instrumental in providing support to group members.

She also has the title of founder member and honorary president of Bury Crossroads Caring for Carers to her name.

This latest award also recognises that she was given the title of the very first Bury Women of the Year in 1998 for her selfless work.

Friend of more than 25 years, Cllr Yvonne Wright, moved the motion to endow Mrs Reid with the Freedom of the Borough title.

Cllr Wright said: "Lily is an incredibly worthy candidate for this honour. Everything she has done has been in a voluntary capacity.

"As someone whose own son was a sufferer, Lily became heavily regarded by health professionals and social workers around Bury.

"She was the voice of the mentally ill for decades. She brought together a group of almost 70 people.

"She fundraised herself, organised annual sponsored walks, sold second-hand clothes from the market.

"And she is still volunteering today.

"At 90, she is a hugely inspirational lady."

Bury Council said the Freedom of the Borough title was given to Mrs Reid "in recognition of the valuable and devoted services she has rendered to the town of Bury for over 40 years and in recognition of the work she has tirelessly carried out to raise the profile of mental health issues and support people living with mental illness and their carers across the borough of Bury."

Mrs Reid was born in Paradise Street, Ramsbottom, as one of nine children.

Her mother died when she was was eight years old, and she became "mother to some of her younger siblings."

Mrs Reid said it is her work that has brought her most fulfilment in life because she was able to help others.

She praised her late son Christopher, who died seven years ago, for giving over time to help her with Rethink Bury Carers' Group, of which she was a coordinator.

Mrs Reid said: "I was surprised and delighted to receive the honour, but more than that, I was thoroughly humbled.

"I officially retired 10 years ago but the reality of that is very difficult because I would do anything within my power for those with mental illness."