A MAN who has led a long and distinguished career in social housing and public health in Blackburn has been honoured by the town’s Mayor.

Abdul Piracha, who is 87, was invited to the Town Hall and given a tour of the council chamber and civic areas by the Mayor, Audley councillor Salim Mulla. Mr Piracha is the founder of the social housing provider Asiana Housing and was the first chairman of the Preston New Road based association.

He also served for many years on Blackburn’s public health board and is presently on the board of Together Housing.

Councillor Mulla, said: “I think it is important that the mayor offers thanks to people and groups in the town who have made a positive contribution to the borough.

“I was very pleased to welcome Mr Piracha.

“He has made a contribution to the wellbeing of generations of Blackburn families.”