THE new director general of Age Concern, England, Gordon Lishman, will return to his roots this week when he meets the Pakistani Welfare Association in Nelson.

Mr Lishman will be the keynote speaker at a dinner on Friday to mark his many years of service with the Association.

The event will also publicise the PWA's Ageing Well project, in which volunteers are trained to advise other older people on healthy living.

Mr Lishman grew up and still lives in Briercliffe where his father was a family doctor -- but spends most of his working life in London.

He took over as Director General of Age Concern from Baroness Sally Greengross on July 1.

He said: "The trip home to East Lancashire is my favourite journey and I am very honoured to have been closely associated with the PWA for such a long number of years."

He will be joined at the dinner by four East Lancashire mayors, local MPs and other dignitaries.

Mr Lishman's wife Margaret, a Burnley councillor will also be present along with his mother Florence.