BLACKBURN with Darwen's new mayor took office last night with a pledge to keep the vibrant heart of the borough beating.
Councillor John Williams, a former headteacher, said the best of the community did not revolve around money but came from the people who gave their time freely - the voluntary workers.
"They are the hope for the borough," he said.
Coun Williams, who is Blackburn born and bred, is the Conservative representative for Livesey with Pleasington.
He is married to fellow Tory councillor Sheila, and the couple have one daughter, Megan, who lives in London.
Coun Williams was headteacher at St Paul's, Hoddlesden.
He remains a keen athlete and won a gold medal in the recent British Veterans Athletics Championships.
Coun Williams paid tribute to the retiring mayor, Coun Jack Bury, who, he said, was a distinguished man with standards and pride.
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