Tributes have been paid to a "well-liked and respected" doctor after she died "peacefully" last week.

Helen Kavanagh, 40, worked for Unsworth Group Practice – which oversees Peter House in Westhoughton and Blackrod Health Centre.

Dr Kavanagh worked at the practice as a Partner from 2017 until retiring due to ill health earlier this year.

Many of her patients spoke highly of her, and even those who did not know her knew of the work she had carried out over the years.

Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Baines – who represents Horwich and Blackrod - has led the tributes.

She said: “My condolences go out to the family and friends of Dr Kavanagh.

“Whilst I did not know of the GP directly, I was aware of the work she did.”

Cllr Deirdre McGeown and Mayor of Westhoughton said: “It was with a sad heart that I learnt of the passing of Dr Helen Kavanagh.

“She was well-liked and respected in Westhoughton and will be sorely missed.”

Cllr Bernadette Eckersley-Fallon – who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor - said Dr Kavanagh would be "greatly missed" by the community in Westhoughton.

She added: “It’s extremely sad news. My thoughts are with her family, and also the Unsworth Group Practice.

“She will be greatly missed and I’m sure everyone in Westhoughton would like to say thank you for caring for the residents of Westhoughton for so many years.”

In a Facebook post, Unsworth Group Practice said Dr Kavanagh "passed away peacefully" on August 9 where she was "surrounded by her closest family".

Dr Kavanagh was a mum-of-two to Ryan and Finley and married to husband Richard.

The post reads: “Helen was held in high regard by her patients and colleagues and will be dearly missed. Helen will always be held high within our hearts.”

This post was also shared across social media, with many patients paying their respects to her in the comments section.