BARNFIELD councillor Tony Dobson has been chosen to head up the Conservative party in Hyndburn.

Cllr Dobson, who lives in Oswaldtwistle, was selected by Tory members to replace outgoing leader Peter Britcliffe, who stood down last week.

Baxenden councillor Terry Hurn, of Oakwood Road, will be his deputy, it was also announced.

Cllr Dobson said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of the role. I have a hard act to follow in Peter Britcliffe, who was a major figure in the party as leader for 23 years.

“We have entered a new era as a Conservative group. These are exciting times with social media and the web giving us the chance to interact with residents and hear their views in a new way, and we’d love to hear from any local people who’d like to get involved with the group.”

Cllr Britcliffe, 65, did not seek re-election at the Tory’s annual meeting.