FATHER of the council, Mr Bill Johnson MBE is to become the borough's first citizen for the second time

Coun Johnson (76), will succeed Bury Mayor Coun John Costello in May.

Mr Johnson, a Tory councillor, has represented Tottington for the past 40 years. He was made mayor in 1988. Today, he is fondly referred to as "Mr Tottington."

The councillor was formally invited to take up the position at the Ramsbottom and Tottington area board meeting by local authority Conservative leader, Coun David Higgin.

Overcome with emotion, Coun Johnson said: "It is a great honour for Tottington and I graciously and humbly accept it.

"I am greatly honoured, particularly on behalf of my constituents who have continued to elect me."

Coun Johnson, a retired local government worker, was twice chairman of Tottington Urban District Council before local government reorganisation.

"I wanted to get things done and represent the public," he said.

Coun Johnson has lived in Tottington for the past 74 years. He resides at Clay Butts Farm with his wife Joyce, a retired head teacher. They have three daughters and a son.

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