THE new Mayor of Pendle has predicted a year of prosperity of the borough.

Coun Allan Buck, 62, took up the chains of office from Coun George Adam at Nelson Town Hall yesterday. And he told councillors he was keen to encourage the town's enterprising spirit.

He also revealed that he and mayoress Barbara Mitchell, his younger sister, would be raising money for three charities.

Coun Buck, who represents Coats ward, said: "In Pendle we are fortunate to have one of the largest manufacturing areas in Britain and as such I want to encourage our enterprising businesses which are the backbone of our local economy.

"To encourage them during the coming year I plan to visit Pendle companies of all sizes and types."

He added: "This coming year will be significant for Pendle, and Nelson in particular, with the new high-quality business centre due to open its doors bringing 300 new jobs into the town.

"Also, with the opening of the Wavelength leisure extension and the start of the new bus and rail interchange, the Nelson centre master plan will take significant steps towards the revitalisation of Nelson."

Coun Buck said he was the first mayor to come from Barnoldswick for 20 years and wanted to make his home village feel more a part of Pendle. He would be visiting all parts of Pendle to encourage tourism and would be inviting residents to walk the Pendle Way with him.

The charities he and the mayoress will help are Rainbow's at the Holden Centre, a special needs therapy nursery, The Heart of Lancashire appeal for West Craven First Responders, and Burnley and Pendle Befriending Scheme, which gives financial assistance to people with mental disabilities.

The new deputy mayor is Coun Shelagh Derwent and her deputy is Ann McGeorge. Meanwhile, a series of events will be held in Barnoldswick for the new mayor on Sunday. Barnoldswick Brass Band will provide a musical arrival for the horse-drawn mayor when he attends a service at Ghyll Church at 11.30am.

Proceedings will be led by the mayor's newly-appointed chaplain, the Rev John Lancaster. At 1.15pm the mayor and mayoress will lead a procession from the Civic Hall on Station Road, accompanied by the brass band.

The route is along Fernlea Avenue to Albert Road, around the Town Square then down Newtown and returning to the Civic Hall.