A LONG-SERVING sub postmaster with an MBE for services to the community has taken his seat as Lancaster's new mayor.

John Day, a Liberal Democrat city councillor of 14 years, was elected at an official ceremony at Lancaster Town Hall yesterday (Wednesday).

He admitted he was thrilled but nervous about the task ahead, but vowed to do as much as possible for the community.

Speaking before the ceremony, he told the Citizen it was marred by the absence of his wife of 38 years Barbara, who died to breast cancer last year.

"Barbara would have loved it. It will be emotional without her."

John has run Beaufort Road Post Office for 24 years - it is likely to shut in July subject to consultation as part of a national programme of closures.

But John who turns 64 in August said: "I am getting to the stage in life where if this wasn't up for closing I would be up for retiring. I must be one of the longest-serving post masters in the area but I have thoroughly enjoyed it."

His daughter Alison Hocking, 37, has worked alongside him for the past 12 years and has agreed to be his Mayoress.

Their chosen charities for the year include the Lancaster Macmillan Unit in Barbara's memory.

To help raise funds, Alison and John's son Peter are doing the Great North Run in September.

Well known in the area, John secured an MBE in 1998 for 20 years service to the community and post office, including his long-running support of the old Torrisholme Youth Club.

He is a member of Torrisholme Methodist Church, life-long Morecambe Football Club sup-porter and president of Torris-holme Cricket Club. He is also a governor of Torrisholme Prim-ary School and Grosvenor Park School.

His first official engagement is Saturday's Last Night of the Proms at Ashton Hall.

Torrisholme Cllr Ian Clift is the new deputy mayor.