FARMER Cllr Paul Rigby has taken over as the new chairman of Lancashire County Council.

He succeeds Rossendale South’s Cllr Anne Cheetham to become the 50th holder of the post.

Fylde South Tory Cllr Rigby, who has represented Fylde South since 2009, said: “I’m looking forward to highlighting the varied work people do across the county, especially farming and rural life, along with the voluntary work that people do to help others.”

Lancashire County Council provides services to 12 boroughs including Hyndburn, Burnley, Ribble Valley, Pendle and Rossendale.

His father and grandfather also served as councillors.