THE future Mayor of Preston is a woman of tradition with a strong public spirit and a long history in politics.

Councillor Audrey Scott has this week been unanimously nominated by the Conservative group to become the next Mayor.

And the native Prestonian is clearly delighted with the role as I found out when I met her at the Town Hall this week:

She said: "I'm certainly a traditionalist. I'll be wearing the full robe and chain."

"And the banquet's definitely on," she added, dispelling any controversy before it could arise.

"I believe the people of Preston like a traditional Mayor. We have a charter which goes back to before the Magna Carta. The people hold tradition very dear to their hearts." Mrs Scott, mother of three grown-up children and grandmother to three more, went into local politics in 1976 after a brief career in journalism.

She is a magistrate and a trustee for a local charity.

She said: "I love the town, the people, their humour and their warmth. I'd like to spend my year of office meeting as many people as possible."

Mrs Scott takes up the post in May.

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