A GLORIOUS spring day provided the perfect setting to start the year in office for the new Blackburn with Darwen mayor.

Cllr Pat McFall was accompanied by several community and faith leaders and paraded through the streets of Blackburn.

A ceremony was held at Blackburn Cathedral, readings were performed by Cllr McFall, Denis Park, the deputy chief executive of the council, and the dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev Peter Howell-Jones.

Members of the Blackburn Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets, scouts and guides association, Blackburn college and voluntary organisations took part in the parade, which finished outside the town hall.

Cllr McFall was first elected to the council in 2002 and represents Little Harwood and Whitebirk ward.

She was the chairwoman of the children’s centre for a long time and is non-voting member of the community centre management board.

The new mayor’s charities include Blackburn and District Without Abuse and Changing lives, Humraaz, which all support victims of domestic abuse and violence, Derian House Children’s Hospice, Nightsafe and Cherished Gowns.

Cllr McFall said: “It is an honour to serve as mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Council and I am looking forward to the year ahead and raising vital funds for some very important charities.”