Former milkman and garage owner declared new Mayor of Pendle

Councillor Brian Newman was declared the 48th Mayor of Pendle at the annual Mayor Making ceremony at Nelson Town Hall.

He will be joined by his wife Lynne in her role as Mayoress.

Cllr Newman, who represents the Fence and Higham ward and is a Liberal Democrat, said: "I want to express my personal thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Yasser Iqbal, who has had a very successful year.

"We have worked together very well.

"Taking on the role of First Citizen of Pendle fills me with great excitement and pride.

"I am looking forward to highlighting organisations which are a doing a fantastic job for the Pendle community."

Cllr Newman was born and brought up in Pendle, starting his working life as a milkman in Nelson, Barrowford and Fence.

He then went on to own his own garage in Glen Way, Brierfield, before later moving to Fence where he has lived for the last 30 years and bought a garage there.

Away from work, his interest is raising sheep.

He said: "I would like to say a big thank you to my wife, Lynne, for all her support and I am delighted that she has agreed to be my Mayoress.

"I know we will have a very successful year."

This year, The Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund will be supporting The Autistic Society, Pendle and Rossendale Mountain Rescue, Curry on The Street and youth organisations involved in sport in Pendle.

Cllr Newman added: "Part of the Mayor’s duties is to raise awareness of the chosen charities and raise money for them; therefore, I would like to start by personally donating £1,000 to each of our chosen charities from my Mayor’s allowance.

"I hope my donations will help to raise awareness, promote volunteering and raise charity funds.

"The Mayoress and I look forward to a very varied and constructive year of office. I am committed to engaging the people of Pendle in the work of Pendle Council and the office of Mayor."

The Deputy Mayor of Pendle will be Bradley ward Tory Cllr Mohammad Aslam.