BURNLEY'S new mayor was handed the chains of office at a ceremony in Burnley Town Hall yesterday.

Dignitaries gathered underneath the splendour of the Burnley Council chamber ceiling to hear Brunshaw councillor Lilian Clark being sworn in as mayor for the next 12 months. Born in Manchester, Coun Clark began working life as a winder in a local weaving shed before moving on to become a nurse at Calderstones Hospital, Whalley.

Coun Clark said: "I know that everyone is thrilled for me and Paula, my granddaughter, is especially delighted.

"I'm proud to say I have served as a councillor for an unbroken 19 years.

"I first stood for election because I wanted to speak for those who who could not easily do it themselves, particularly in housing matters, and never imagined that I would one day be standing as Mayor of the Borough."

Coun Clark has served on many council committees including; housing, planning, public protection, finance and equal opportunities.

Jaqueline Elkington, coun Clark's daughter, was also sworn in as mayoress.

The new mayor will support two charities during the coming year; the Burnley branch of Headway, a charity for children and adults suffering from brain damage and When You Wish Upon A Star, a charity which makes the dreams of children with life threatening or terminal illnesses come true.

Father Geoffrey Hilton of St Augustine's Church in Lowerhouse has agreed to be Mayor's chaplain for the forthcoming year.

Coun Clark also paid tribute to the outgoing mayor and mayoress.