DOZENS of well-wishers lined the streets of Blackburn to watch the civic parade.

The sunshine came out as the new mayor, Cllr Colin Rigby, marched from King George’s Hall to the Cathedral with his entourage.

The service was attended by the mayor and mayoress, Cllr Rigby’s wife, Jean, as well as Harry Catherall, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackburn MP Kate Hollern and Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of the council.

The service saw prayers offered to the new mayor and for his work during the next municipal year.

During the service, the dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev Peter Howell-Jones, said: “It was a great pleasure as the new dean to be involved in my first civic service.

“We all know about the mayor’s determination as a councillor for more than 25 years and your willingness now to take on this responsibility reflects your commitment to continue your work in this community, which is great.”

The Lord’s Prayer and the national anthem was also recited.

East Lancashire’s senior coroner, Michael Singleton, representations from the Royal British Legion’s Blackburn and Darwen branches and pupils from the borough’s secondary schools were also in attendance.

The procession reassembled and marched to the town hall where Cllr Rigby addressed the town.

He said: “I would like to thank everyone for attending today and for the cathedral for the service.

“There have been many great people stood here over the years and I am proud to stand here as the mayor of Blackburn.

“I look forward to seeing everyone over the next 12 months.

"This has been a great occasion for me and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead."