NEW Mayor of Rossendale Coun Brian Essex has spoken of his pride at taking over the reigns for the 2012/13 term.
A Conservative councillor in Helmshore since 2006, former headteacher Coun Essex took over the chain and robes from outgoing Mayor Gladys Sandiford on Friday evening.
He will be assisted by his wife Joan and Deputy Mayor Amanda Robertson, Labour councillor for Whitewell.
The Mayor will be at Buckingham Palace today representing Rossendale at a garden party celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
His first engagement was a service of thanks at St Mary’s Chambers in Rawtenstall on Sunday.
He said: “I am proud and privileged to have the unanimous support of the council. I look forward to visiting all schools in the area and supporting any individual or organisation that needs help.”
The Mayor’s charity will be Rossendale Hospice, which cared for his mother Joan when she had kidney cancer.
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