DEDICATION to public service has earned Labour councillor Richard Evans the borough's top job.

Councillor Evans has just been appointed Mayor elect after 19 years representing the people of Moor Park ward, including three years on the old county borough council.

Now he is looking forward to representing Preston further afield.

He said: "I want to continue the good work done by my predecessor Ron Marshall by campaigning to bring business and funds to Preston.

"I will also be choosing small local charities to support during my year of office as there are many which seem to lose out on funding and support from other areas."

Mr Evans first became a councillor in 1971 but lost his seat on the new Preston Borough Council in 1976 when the Labour group was virtually wiped out in the local elections.

But when the former trade union stalwart retired, he stood for office once more and has notched up 13 years continuous service since 1984. He believes that as many people as possible should be involved in the town's decision-making process and holds frequent meetings for ward residents to get their views on local issues.

Councillor Evans said: "I am one of four surviving members of the old county borough council on the new council and the last to take a turn at the mayoral role.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed helping local people and I am looking forward to the next year."

Councillor Evans was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1922 when his father was serving with the British Army of Occupation.

He went to St Judes School and Moor Park Methodist before leaving school to work for Daniel Thwaites Brewery.

As a Gunner on Airfield Defence during World War II, he served in the Middle East and Africa. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Preston where he worked for Ribble Buses and a local newspaper.

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