WHITWORTH’S new Mayor was blessed with sunshine for her first major engagement.

Coun Karen Ruane and her consort, husband Peter, led the Civic Sunday procession alongside Whitworth Vale and Healey Brass Band.

The parade, which began at the junction of North Street and Market Street, concluded with a service at St Bartholomew’s Church, in Whitworth Rake.

The town’s Girl Guides, town councillors and other civic dignitaries, including the Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Amanda Robertson, were among the guests.

The head girls and boy from Whitworth Community High School, Amy Burton, Sian Howells and Declan Young, distributed the orders of service.

Coun Ruane said: “It really was a wonderful day. Whitworth looked its best.”