YOUNG at heart 86-year-old Charles Warkman has become Britain's oldest mayor - and can't wait to get started!

The energetic pensioner, who retired from his job as a draughtsman 26 years ago, vowed he would have no problem fulfilling the 300-plus engagements during his year in office.

And Ribble Valley's new first citizen said: "As somebody once said, growing old is obligatory but feeling old is discretionary!"

He believes the hard work will do him the power of good, because that's what has kept him in good shape until now. Coun Warkman, of Hob Green, Mellor, added: "I don't know if I have a secret to do so well, but I have always felt that working hard is important and I have never stopped doing that.

"I've been the deputy mayor for a year and that has given me a taste of what is to come and I know it will be hard work, but I am relishing it."

Tory Coun Warkman first ventured into the Ribble Valley council chamber 21 years ago after moving from Newcastle-upon-Tyne with his wife Ruth.

He is currently the chairman of the housing committee, a demanding job in itself, but that has had to go in order to take on the role of mayor.

He said: "You have to be politically neutral as mayor and it wouldn't be possible to be mayor and be a chairman.

"As mayor you go everywhere. That's what I am looking forward to, getting out and about and meeting people.

"There is so much going on in the Ribble Valley and meeting young and old alike will be a real pleasure."

Coun Warkman's two charities for the year will be Derian House Children's Hospice, in Chorley, and Water Aid, which helps African countries.

Proposing Coun Warkman as mayor at last night's annual council meeting, Langho councillor Stanley Taylor said: "I am sure he will do the borough proud and approach it with the same vigour he does his other activities, such as sailing, photography and walking."

A spokesman for the Local Government Association said they believed at 86, Coun Warkman is the oldest mayor in the country.