A MAN who began his working life as a milkman has been declared Mayor of Pendle.

Councillor Brian Newman was named the 48th to be appointed to the role at the annual mayor-making ceremony at Nelson Town Hall on May 18. He will be joined by his wife, Lynn, as mayoress.

He said: "I want to express my personal thanks to the retiring mayor, Councillor Yasser Iqbal, who has had a very successful year. We have worked together very well.

"Taking on the role of first citizen of Pendle fills me with great excitement and pride. I am looking forward to highlighting organisations which are a doing a fantastic job for the Pendle community."

Pendle-born Cllr Newman started his working life as a milkman in Nelson, Barrowford and Fence, he then went on to own his own garage at Glen Way in Brierfield. He later moved to Fence - where he has lived for the last 30 years and where he owns a garage. Away from work, his interest is raising sheep.

He added: "I would like to say a big thank you to my wife, Lynne, for all her support and I am delighted that she has agreed to be my mayoress. I know we will have a very successful year."

This year, The Mayoress’ Charity Appeal Fund will be supporting:The Autistic Society; Pendle and Rossendale Mountain Rescue; Curry on The Street an youth organisations involved in sport in Pendle Councillor Newman added: "Part of the Mayor’s duties is to raise awareness of the chosen charities and raise money for them; therefore, I would like to start by personally donating £1,000 to each of our chosen charities from my mayor’s allowance. I hope my donations will help to raise awareness, promote volunteering and raise charity funds.

"The mayoress and I look forward to a very varied and constructive year of office. I am committed to engaging the people of Pendle in the work of Pendle Council and the office of mayor."

The Deputy Mayor was declared as Mohammad Aslam.