ELDER statesman Cllr Wilf Brogan on Wednesday became Mayor of Wigan and immediately started raising funds for a rapid response ambulance.

Cllr Brogan, who represents Worsley Mesnes, became the borough's 31st mayor. He is a freeman with over 36 years public service.

The former British Leyland shop steward spearheaded the council's drive to improve sports and tourism facilities over three decades. As chairman of the former recreation and amenities committee he presided over major developments such as Pennington Flash, Wigan Pier and Robin Park.

The 76-year-old was made an honorary freeman of the borough in 2000 and in 1984 received received the British Empire Medal for his services to industry.

Cllr Brogan said: "It's a tremendous honour and I'm absolutely delighted. For 30 years I've done my best to improve facilities -- to be chosen as first citizen will be the greatest moment of my political career.

"I have been fortunate enough to represent the borough I love on a wider stage and the mayoralty will be a chance to put something back for the community."

He and his wife Agnes have been married for 47 years and have five children and 11 grandchildren.

New deputy mayor is Cllr John Hilton of Aspull-Standish.

Through his charity Cllr Brogan aims to buy a paramedics' rapid response car for the Greater Manchester ambulance service.