A LISTENING Mayor - that's how South Ribble's new incumbent to the traditional post describes herself.

Councillor Betty Greenland will take over the chains of office from Dorothy Stewart in May.

The mum-of-three is looking forward to a new political and ambassadorial challenge in her new role.

She becomes Mayor of the borough after serving ten years in the political battlefield. She told the Citizen: "Being a councillor is about fighting for things you believe in."

The former deputy headteacher pledges she will listen to people.

She said: "I think there are a lot of un-sung heros in South Ribble who are worthy of attention.

"I'm putting ideas together. I hope people in South Ribble will be able to approach me if they have any problems."

Councillor Greenland, a keen member of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, also outlined her enthusiasm for protecting the environment.

She said: "It's always been an issue I've felt strongly about - I've even acted a judge in Lancashire's Best kept Village competition.

She added: "It's a great honour to be chosen as Mayor. I'm looking forward to working with the new deputy, Councillor Brenda Wilson."

Councillor Greenland will be the first Mayor to make use of a new council economy - the old Daimler has been replaced by a Rover.

She added: "It should be cheaper to run and a lot more environmentally friendly."

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