THE new mayor of Pendle paid tribute to his grandfather as he took up the role of the borough’s first citizen.

Councillor Yasser Iqbal, a barrister also said he was looking forward to highlighting the work of local charities during his term.

He was joined by his family members as he was made Mayor, and paid tribute to his grandfather in his first speech as Mayor.

Cllr Iqbal said: “Taking on the role of First Citizen of Pendle fills me with great excitement and pride.

“On occasions like these, it takes me back to the time when my forefathers arrived in this country in the 60’s and I wonder whether they could have imagined days like these in their wildest of dreams.

“My grandfather, Haji Ghias Ahmed, is the reason for my and my family’s success and I would like to publicly pay tribute to him.”

Cllr Iqbal’s wife Mrs Mariam Abbas will be the mayoress.

Cllr Iqbal was born and brought up in Pendle and attended Walter Street Primary School in Brierfield and Mansfield High School before obtaining a place at Clitheroe Royal Grammar Sixth Form.

He would go on to graduate from the University of Manchester and study to be a Barrister, and was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in London in 2015.

He stood for elections at the age of 22 and became the mayor of Brierfield at the age of 24.

He said: “I am an example to anyone that with hard work you can do anything – I am a proud son of a Pakistani immigrant taxi driver, and if I can make it, anyone can.

“My job as a Barrister takes me around the country but I can honestly say that there is no better place than Pendle. It is where I live, where all my family and friends are, where I have decided to raise my family. Home is where the heart is, and my heart is very much in Pendle.

“Part of the Mayor’s role is to raise awareness for local charities. I am looking forward to highlighting organisations which are doing a fantastic job for the benefit of the community.

“I would like to say a big thank you to my wife, Mariam, for all her support and I am delighted that she has agreed to be my Mayoress. I know we will have a very good year.

“I am lucky that my mayoral year coincides with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and I am honoured to be representing the people of Pendle at a range of forthcoming Jubilee events.”

This year The Mayoress’ Charity Appeal Fund will be supporting: Pendleside Hospice; Nelson Community Masjid (NCM) Foodbank; Curry On The Street; Rise Support and Hope for Mankind.

Cllr Iqbal said he would be donating all his mayor’s allowance to his chosen charities.

He added: “May I start by expressing my personal thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Neil Butterworth. He has had a very successful year within the limits of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Thank you to the three Councillors who have moved, seconded and supported my nomination as Mayor. Can I in particular thank Cllr Hanif who not only is my fellow ward councillor, he is also my mentor and guide.

“I have a very long history with Cllr Hanif - he was a fellow classmate of my father’s when they studied at Mansfield High School, and I have known him since I was a young boy.”