THE leader of the Ribble Valley Borough Council has said he is looking forward to the new year with 'optimism and enthusiasm' after a big 12-months for the borough comes to an end.

This year saw the success of a variety of major events including the Tour of Britain, which saw tens of thousands of spectators descend on the Ribble Valley and Pendle including top cyclists, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish.

Other positives have come in the way of the fifth annual Clitheroe Food Festival, The Royal Lancashire Show in Ribchester and the unveiling of a new £8million redevelopment plan for the historic Clitheroe Market.

Cllr Stuart Hirst said the passing year has once again been one of both challenge and opportunity for the Ribble Valley.

He said: "Despite the economic pressure 2015 has once again seen some memorable community activities, not least the Tour of Britain cycle event which we co-hosted in the summer.

"On all levels this was a resounding success with worldwide media coverage and thousands of visitors coming in the valley resulting in an economic boost of around £1.5million for our very modest outlay of £120,000.

"After nearly thirty years’ discussion our partner has just been announced for the redevelopment of the Clitheroe market site next year.

"This is an excellent private sector investment of around £8million in our main town and will pump prime significant further investment in to the borough.

"Perhaps of most significance will be the challenging work to be done in terms of the proposed Lancashire ‘Combined Authority’ which we have just agreed in principle at our council meeting this month.

"This will be our opportunity to be part of the Northern Powerhouse and I look forward with optimism and enthusiasm to both the challenges and the opportunities.

"Although small in population, Ribble Valley has huge assets in terms of its resources, abilities and the strength of its communities.

"I intend that we shall play a full and significant part in shaping the future of our own borough, our county and indeed, the north west region."