PENDLE county councillor Tim Ormrod has become the chairman of the Co-operative Party Council - North West and North Wales.

Coun Ormrod, who represents the county division of Colne, has been vice-chairman for a number of years and now steps into the shoes of Sylvia Reynoldson, a former Pendle Labour Party Parliamentary candidate, who has decided to step down after three years.

Coun Ormrod's appointment came at the annual general meeting of the council.

He said: "This is a very influential position as the Co-operative Party is the political wing of the co-operative and mutual business sector and, as such, is very much at the centre of the present government's strategy for economic regeneration and social inclusion.

"This is not just about co-op food stores, but is also to do with the development of community enterprises such as credit unions, housing co-ops, agricultural co-operatives, worker co-ops, mutual buy-outs of football clubs and so on.

"I will strive to bring the influence of this position for the benefit of the whole community and especially those, for whatever reason, find themselves socially excluded."