BURNLEY'S new mayoral robes were unveiled for the first time at a council meeting last night.

The Mayor, councillor Gordon Birtwistle paid £900 for the new robes to replace the existing ones which he said were "tatty". They have been in use since 1935.

At a meeting of Burnley Council last night the robes were worn for the first time. The old robes will be displayed at Towneley Museum as a tribute to councillor Birtwistle's late mother, Peggy.

Coun Birtwistle said: "I wanted to ensure that the robes were available for future generations, so I offered to pay for the new robes to ensure this would happen."