TRIBUTES have been paid to the much-loved head of the area's biggest bingo empire and boutique owner, Kay Newton, who has died aged 83 years.

Mrs Newton, married to former trawler skipper and nightclub boss, Bunny Newton for 45 years, died at her home on Waltham Road, Scartho after a long, courageous battle against an illness.

Generations of bingo fans will have fond memories of her running a boutique at The Clifton Bingo Hall on Grant Street, Cleethorpes.

Mrs Newton was also renowned for her enthusiasm for horse racing and she owned a number of successful horses.

Among them were En Attendant, which twice won The Bunbury Cup at Newmarket. Pottersville and Solid Silver were also highly successful at Catterick and on circuits around the country.

She was a regular visitor to Market Rasen Racecourse.

Her entrepreneurial spirit and astute business sense led to a prosperous lifestyle and she was fond of cruising.

It was a world away from her start in life as an orphan cared for at the Brighowgate orphanage, Grimsby.

She was later adopted by Elizabeth Reed, of Barcroft Street, Cleethorpes and she had a stepbrother Charles Reed, who served as a submariner in the Second World War.

Mrs Newton ran a boutique at the Clifton bingo hall and enjoyed buying beauty products from wholesalers in Leeds and Manchester.

She was also a devoted dog lover.

In memory of her devotion to her treasured garden at her home, her son Stephen said her ashes will be scattered in the rose garden in Scartho.

He said: "It is the end of an era.

"She was a fighter and very courageous in the battle with illness she faced.

"She lived life to the full and was fiercely independent.

"She helped dad throughout his life. She was a pivotal part of his business empire, from launderettes to nightclubs."

The son paid tribute to the love and care given by district nurse Gill Dunthorpe, along with sister-in-law Christine Newton and the team of nurses looking after his mother.

Mr Newton said: "She is going to be very sadly missed.

"After the family's difficulties, mother carried on stoically and maintained the business for quite a lot of years after father's death in 1991."

He headed a successful empire which included the Bunny's Place nightspot.

His sons, Stephen and Clifford continued to successfully run The Clifton in Grant Street, The Rialto in Roberts Street, The Queens on Alexandra Road, Grimsby and the Starlight in Kennedy Way, Immingham.

Mrs Newton is survived by her two sons, grandchildren George, Alex, Keith, Scott, Sophie and Oliver, and great grandchildren, Rio and Ben.

There will be a private family funeral later this week.

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Pay tribute to Kay Newton at our Lasting Tribute website