A DARWEN councillor has taken over as Mayor of the borough but not before his predecessor thanked Mystic Meg and TV's Pop Idol contestant Sarah Whatmore for making his year in office so memorable.

Mention of the two celebrities, both of whom Tony Humphrys met during his year in office, raised laughter in the council chamber at Blackburn Town Hall last night.

They were among a long roll call of people Coun Humphrys mentioned during his thank you speech after handing over the mayoral chains to Coun Mike Barrett.

And he broke down as he praised his wife for her role as mayoress.

He wept: "She has gone from being a housewife doing the washing and ironing to a public figure, making speeches and attending so many events, even when not well. Without her, I could not have done this."

Coun Barrett said: "This is a great honour for me and my wife Moira. We hope we do the borough proud."