Pendle's first Asian mayor was unveiled at a ceremony in Nelson.

Mohammed Iqbal said, "I will be a mayor who will help to promote community cohesion across Pendle and a start of this being a multi-faith service on Sunday. As I grew up in Nelson I never saw people as black or white and still don't.

"Agencies and all of us as a community need to work hard to support the breaking down of barriers."

He added, "Despite the disappointing antics of certain people since my selection for the position of mayor resulting in my home and car being attacked I regard the position of mayor as an extremely high honour and I assure the council and people of Pendle that I will carry out my year of office with the highest integrity.

Coun Iqbal was proposed by Coun Gary Rowland and seconded by Coun Sheena Dunn.

Coun Rowland said, "I think he will be the youngest mayor of Pendle and possibly the youngest Mayor in the country. He joined the council shortly after me and I have known him to be an honest and hard working councillor not just in his ward of Bradley but the whole of Pendle during the last 12 years."

He was praised by the leader of the Conservatives, Coun Tony Beckett, who slammed the behaviour of the Liberal Democrats.

"It's not only a duty but a privilege for all councillors of all parties to attend and participate in the time honoured custom of electing the mayor of the borough. On occasions like this differences should be set aside and harmony ought to prevail."