WHEN Sam Little becomes Mayor next year he'll be celebrating 40 years' community service - and more than a few days in jail.

Nothing dodgy though - the Tyldesley based councillor was once a regular in a variety of jails as part of his job!

Neither Sam nor his wife of 53 years and "unpaid secretary" Nancy, are strangers to the "chain gang".

The Durham-born great-grandparents are used to the limelight being involved in local politics since 76 year-old former miner Sam joined Tyldesley Urban District Council in 1958.

They should have hit the headlines in 1969 when Cllr Little ought to have worn the Tyldesley chairman's chain. But an owner-occupiers' coup meant he had to wait a couple of years for that honour.

Now the Littles will be at the forefront again following his selection as Deputy Mayor to this year's mayor, Cllr Ken Pye.

As chairman of Wigan's Housing Committee since 1974 Cllr Little is a respected figure nationally in housing circles.

The rise to chairman of the Association of Metropolitan Authorities housing committee and executive member of the National Housing and Town Planning body haven't altered his views.

His concern that today's youngsters have a job and a safe roof over their heads relates to his youth when he started work at 14 at Penton's Hand in Hole Colliery.

He said:"My main worry is for future generations. Never mind about education and social services issues, solving unemployment is the first job. We should be investing in construction.

"The number one priority is a home for every child."

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