A ROSSENDALE councillor who resigned as council leader four months ago after claiming his workload had become too heavy today defended his appointment to become next year's mayor.

Councillor Peter Steen, a prison officer at Strangeways prison, said he had the time to focus on his civic duties after being relieved of outside pressures at work.

Coun Steen, 57, explained: "Today the new Criminal Justice Act comes into force.

"We had to do nine months of preparation in three months which meant that I couldn't do justice to both my job and role as leader of the council."

The Conservative councillor, who has served the Irwell ward for seven years, says he is looking forward to the honour of becoming mayor.

He said: "By the end of June everything will be back to normal and now I am ready for winding down.

"I will be looking to retiring in the next couple of years so yes I feel I can do the job as deputy mayor justice.

"Although I know it's going to be a demanding role I'm really looking forward to the honour of becoming an ambassador of the borough."

Labour councillor David Hancock said he wanted to see the position awarded purely on length of service.

But the ruling Tory group changed the rules so that any candidate who has two further years to serve before re-election, is in at least their second term and has not previously served as a mayor can take on the role.

Coun Steen said: "I don't think age or length of service should make a difference to them becoming mayor.

"As long as they are committed to the borough and have its best interests at heart then that's what really matters."

Council leader Duncan Ruddick said it was time to bring the mayoralty into the 21st century and congratulated Coun Steen on his appointment.