LEYLAND festival committee has voted its longest-serving member as new honorary president.

Neil Smith, 59, has been elected as president for two years and will be responsible for receiving the mayor and other special guests at the annual event on behalf of the committee members.

Neil moved to the town in 1964, and has served on the Leyland Round Table for 30 years. He also got involved with the Leyland festival committee.

Chartered accountant Neil has been a key figure on the committee's treasury team and was enlisted as treasurer for the festivals from 1974 to 1977.

A year later he took on the role as Leyland Round Table chairman, before being invited to choose the Festival Queen between 1980 and 1983.

For nine years until 1993 Neil was responsible for the layout of the festival field, in Worden Park, and has had a hands-on role ever since.

He said: "For as long as I can remember the Leyland Festival has been an important part of my family's life. I have always been happiest helping the smooth running of the festival, and it was usually me who had to sort out the unpleasant tasks, like unblocking drains!

"I am delighted that the committee has asked me to represent them as their president and I shall look forward to welcoming our many guests on festival day."

The Leyland Festival will take place on Saturday, June 3. To join the procession on the day, themed The Greatest Show on Earth, call Martin Blundell on (01772) 451662.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.