HYNDBURN welcomed its new mayor last night when Coun Sandra Hayes was sworn in at the traditional annual ceremony.

Coun Hayes became the ninth woman to take on the role since 1878 -- four of those have been in the last 10 years -- taking over from outgoing Mayor Coun David Parkins.

Her selection for Mayor came after the Mayor elect, Derek Scholes, lost his seat in the local elections earlier this month.

Coun Hayes was quick to offer her sympathy for Mr Scholes and his wife Pat, saying: "I'm truly proud to be able to take up the office of Mayor for the coming year.

"It was tinged with a lot of upset because of Derek and Pat, but we have had that in previous years and my heart goes out to them.

"All I say to them is keep your chin up and your dreams will come true and you will get to take office in the future."

Coun Hayes said she looked forward to raising funds for her nominated charities, which include Macmillan Cancer Relief, Macmillan Nurses, and White Ash Special School, Oswaldtwistle.

She was mayoress two years ago when her husband Doug was the borough's first citizen.

Proposing her nomination as Mayor, Coun Jim Dickinson said: "I'm delighted to have this opportunity.

"It will be marvellous to see the crack team of Sandra and Doug in action on the Mayoral front once more."