A Ribble Valley artisan has designed a piece of lacework for Clitheroe Town Council's mayoral regalia.

Liz Parkinson, a retired businesswoman, spent more than 200 hours delicately crafting a new 'jabot', a traditional neckpiece worn by the Mayor during formal occasions.

It will debut at the Civic Sunday celebrations next month, donned by Town Mayor Councillor Donna O’Rourke.

Inspired by watching lace-makers in Brussels forty years ago, Liz from Clitheroe, has been passionate about lace-making for the past eighteen years.

An active member of lace-making groups in Leyland and Preston, she decided to craft the jabot after meeting Councillor O’Rourke at this year’s mayor-making ceremony.

"This project has travelled the world with me.

"I worked on this particular piece while travelling in Vietnam, New Zealand, Canada, the Canary Islands and France," Liz said.

"But I am glad it’s now found a permanent home in Clitheroe."

After borrowing the existing jabot for a template, she presented her handiwork to the Mayor at a recent council meeting.

Clitheroe Mayor Councillor Donna O’Rourke said: "I was touched to receive such a kind gift from Liz and it’s even more special because it’s been hand-crafted by such a talented local artisan.

"It’s a beautiful piece of lacework which I will be proud to wear on formal occasions and look forward to handing over to my successor at the end of my term."

The new jabot's first show is set for St Paul’s Church, in Low Moor, during the Civic Sunday celebrations on October 6.