THE new leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council has vowed to be a champion of the people.

Coun John Hill said he intends taking to the leafy lanes of Ribble Valley in a tour of parish councils and community groups.

Coun Hill takes the reins from Wilpshire councillor Chris Holtom, who has stood down after five years as leader to concentrate on other council and community work.

Father-of-three Coun Hill, 52, lives in Simonstone. He has been a local government legal officer for 33 years, and a borough councillor for five.

He said: "I am honoured to have been elected council leader and would like to pay tribute to Chris Holtom for his excellent work. These are difficult times for local government, not least due to continual bombardment by central government red tape and proposals for a North West Regional Assembly, which could sound the death knell for councils such as Ribble Valley.

"Ribble Valley is a caring council that delivers effective and efficient services. We will continue to protect the vulnerable, tackle poverty, crime and anti-social behaviour, provide easier access to services for the elderly and disabled, and promote economic prosperity and growth in the arts.

"I intend to champion the cause of Ribble Valley people by going out to parish councils and any organisation that wishes to join me in constructive dialogue, with a view to preserving our quality of life, values and heritage, free of discrimination and prejudice."

Coun Holtom, a county councillor and non-executive director of Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Care Trust, said: "I feel I have not been giving enough balance to all three offices and it's time to hand over the reins."