NO ONE could accuse Lancashire County Council's new chairman of being out of touch with working people.

Niki Penney has vast real-world experience - she has worked as a barmaid, legal clerk, adult literacy tutor, secretary, playgroup supervisor and even a solderer at Salford Electrical Instruments.

She was appointed to succeed Accrington's Dorothy Westell as chairman for the coming year at the council's annual meeting.

It is a significant role in an authority as large as Lancashire. As the civic head of the authority, the chairman has many duties, including meeting local community groups, charitable organisations and visiting dignitaries.

During her 13 years of service to the county as the representative of the Skerton division of Lancaster and Morecambe, Niki has been involved in all aspects of the county's services.

Most recently she has been cabinet member for communication, information and lifelong learning.

She previously chaired the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.

In her spare time the new chairman likes to renovate furniture, listen to jazz and blues music and tend her garden.

Preston county councillor Vali Patel has been chosen to serve as her vice-chairman.