COUNCILLOR Kath Pratt has been elected as mayor of Hyndburn 2021/2022 during a ceremony in the ballroom at Accrington Town Hall.

The event followed strict Covid-safety measures and a further event will be held later this year to commemorate the occasion.

Cllr Pratt said: “It is with pleasure I accept the mayoral duty and thank you all for this honour. I hope to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor, Cllr June Harrison, who has worked with unswerving dignity and dedication as a wonderful ambassador for our borough.

“I will continue the fantastic work she has done throughout her time in office, working tirelessly to raise vital funds for local charities. I am looking forward to learning more about the people and organisations that form our vibrant Hyndburn community and attending many events, when it is safe to do so.

“Although the ceremony was held differently this year with social distancing in place, it was wonderful to see all the elected members in the magnificent ballroom. After so many months of meetings taking place virtually it was great to have the opportunity to come together.”

Cllr Pratt has been a councillor for Baxenden for 14 years and has worked closely with many charities. She said: “There are so many wonderful organisations and charities, it was a difficult decision who to support with the Mayoral Charity Fund. I have chosen charities that mean something to me personally and that I know do fantastic work.”

The charities she has selected so far are the RNLI Hyndburn and Ribble Valley branch, where she is treasurer, Pioneer Swimming Club where she is a coach and trustee, and Rosemere Cancer Foundation, after losing loved ones to cancer.

She will also choose a local mental health charity after working in the sector