PENDLE'S new mayor, cllr James Keith Starkie, become the first citizen during the annual mayor making ceremony.

Cllr Starkie's wife, Janet, became mayoress.

As first citizen for the borough, the mayor actively promotes the area to industrialists and tourists, as well as championing causes and raising the profile of the community and the council.

During his mayoral speech, cllr Starkie said: "Janet and I are both locals - Nelson born, bred and educated, so taking on the roles of the first citizens of Pendle fills us with great excitement and pride.

"We are looking forward to highlighting the organisations and businesses which are doing a fantastic job for the benefit of the community in towns and villages, across Pendle."

“We will support local events in every village and town across Pendle it’s going to be a very varied and interesting year in office.

During his speech cllr Starkie expressed his thanks to the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress and the new deputy mayor, cllr Ken turner and deputy mayoress, Jayne Mills.

Cllr Starkie said: "I’d like to say a big thank you to the retiring mayor and mayoress, cllr David and Barbara Whalley, you have had a very successful year.

"And we send our very best wishes to the new deputy mayor and deputy mayoress, cllr Ken Hartley and Jayne Mills."