A CAREER in local politics could be beckoning for 11-year-old Oliver Muir after he became Deputy Mayor of Bury for the day.

The Prestwich Community High School pupil was handed the chains-of-office from Councillor Wilf Davison to get a taste of life in local politics.

Accompanied by dad Brian, Oliver was picked up in the mayoral limousine from his home on Elm Grove and travelled to Gigg Lane to carry out his mayoral duties.

Oliver met the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillors Barry and Sharon Briggs, and enjoyed a slap-up lunch before watching Bury FC play Rushden & Diamonds.

He then presented Brian Barry-Murphy with the man-of-the-match award.

He said: "It was great fun and I had a really good day. The best bit was being driven around in the mayoral limousine. The mayor was really nice and friendly towards me."

Oliver joined the mayor in overseeing a number of activities to mark the annual campaign against racism in sport called Kick It Out.

They also accepted a £50,000 cheque at half-time for a new council initiative to promote football in the community.

Coun Briggs said: "I was delighted that Oliver was able to join me on official duties. We had a busy day lined up and, looking at my diary, I reckon I could have done with a hand! Hopefully the event will give Oliver and other young people across the borough an insight into the work of the council."

Oliver won the honour after correctly naming this years mayor in a competition.

He said: "I am glad I entered the competition. I read about it in the paper and thought I would give it a go."

The competition was aimed at promoting Local Democracy Week and encouraged youngsters to get involved with the democratic process.

Only 39 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds voted in the 2001 General Election compared to 68 per cent in 1997.