BLACKBURN'S latest peer - Lord Patel - today spoke of his delight and pride at becoming a member of Parliament's Upper House.

Supported by the town's Baroness Castle and Lord Taylor, he was inducted into Westminster's reformed Second Chamber wearing his traditional white Kamiz shirt and grey cap as well as the historic red, gold and ermine robes.

Adam Patel made history both as the first Indian Muslim peer and by enabling Blackburn to be the first town in the country to have three members of the House of Lords.

Also present at the ceremony were Baroness Massey of Darwen and Blackburn MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Lord Patel's wife Lady Ayesha, his eight children, three daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, his grandchildren and friends made up a 22-strong party at his investiture.

The new peer, who intends to be at the Lords three of four days a week, said: "I am delighted, of course, and very proud. I would see it as a considerable responsibility.

"I am proud to represent Blackburn, my home town, as well as to be the first Indian Muslim peer.

"I am a Blackburnian and a Rovers fan and season ticket holder. I shall be working as part of a team with Baroness Castle, Lord Taylor, Baroness Massey and Mr Straw.

"I have been working with Barbara Castle and Tom Taylor since 1966 and with Mr Straw since before he became the town's MP." He promised to be a loyal Labour peer, expressing any doubts behind the scenes to ministers and trying to influence their decisions.

Lord Patel said: "I am first of all from Blackburn, and then British. My main interest will be race relations. I would hope to be a role model for people.

"Blackburn is a good example of a multi-racial town. Wearing my traditional Kamiz and cap as well as my House of Lords robes was a good symbol of this."

Lord Patel, of Snodworth Hall in Langho, was born in Gujerat in India, studying business and accountancy there before coming to Blackburn in 1965, working as an accountant at Ivan Jacques practice.

He later became director of Comet cash and carry. He is also a founder member of Blackburn with Darwen Racial Equality Council and was the first chairman of the Lancashire Council of Mosques.

Lord Taylor said: "I was tremendously proud and very pleased to support Lord Patel's introduction and Blackburn's third peer. It is a great compliment to the town's Asian and Muslim community."

Picture shows Lord Patel at yesterday's ceremony with Blackburn's Lord Taylor, Baroness Castle and the Bishop, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters

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