THE Mayor of Padiham today defended the decision to employ a convicted arsonist as the first town clerk for more than 30 years and said: "She is the best person for the job."

Coun Granville Lord spoke out after it was revealed that Elizabeth Bolton, of Palace Gardens, Burnley, had been appointed town clerk of Padiham.

Bolton, 46, resigned from her post as principal legal officer at Burnley Borough Council after her arrest for petrol bombing a car three years ago.

She pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life at Lancaster Crown Court and was given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years. Charges of indecent assault were allowed to lie on file.

Bolton, described as a devoted church-goer and former district commissioner for the Girls' Brigade, petrol bombed the car of a man involved with a member of the Girls' Brigade. The court heard she became unhealthily obsessed about the relationship.

She attacked the vehicle while the man, who was married, was at the girl's house. Neither can be named for legal reasons.

Bolton also made a complaint about the man and he was dismissed from his job.

Coun Lord, who chaired the interview panel, said Bolton revealed her conviction during the selection process. He said: "Mrs Bolton was selected for her knowledge of local government."