COUNCILLOR Gordon Birtwistle today issued a heartfelt thanks to the people of Burnley who helped him raise an unprecedented amount during his year as mayor.

Coun Birtwistle spoke out as he handed over the chains of office to new Mayor, Coun Lilian Clark, at a ceremony yesterday.

His charity appeal, also promoted by his mayoress and wife Kathleen, has now topped £54,462 and will help pay for vital scanner equipment at Burnley General Hospital.

Coun Birtwistle said the couple had enjoyed their year as Burnley's first citizens and highlighted meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace, visiting the Burnley Balloon Festival and the Anne Frank Exhibition, and meeting people from all over the town, among his best memories.

"The highlight of my year was the Burnley Balloon Festival. When it came to a close, the dramatic dancing of the balloons and the tremendous fireworks made it a special day," he said.

Coun Birtwistle said the Anne Frank Exhibition, which came to the Burnley Mechanics Theatre, was a moving experience.

The exhibition portrayed the life of a Jewish schoolgirl whose family spent two years hiding from Hitler's Nazis during World War Two.

He added: "Whilst there I spoke to an old man who had been to the death camps. It was very, very moving and one hopes the discrimination that was around in those days never returns."

There were low points for the former mayor during his time in office, which included the death of four former mayors, Jack Alston, Frank Booth, Jim Heyes and James Meakin.

Coun Birtwistle also gained weight during the past 12 months.

He joked: "When I bought my new suit I needed braces to keep the trousers up -- now they keep themselves up because I have put on a stone and a half."

Coun Birtwistle also praised his wife Kathleen for her support during the year, described the former mayoress as an example to Burnley who had carried out her civic duties with great respect.

He also thanked Burnley's churches, his chaplain the Rev Peter Pike, and ASDA, and TRW Engineering for their support.

"Kathleen and I thank the members of the council for the privilege they bestowed upon us 12 months ago and hope we have done the position of mayor and mayoress justice."