ANNE Smith, Fylde's new mayor, is intent on keeping the borough a close knit community during her time at the helm.

Anne became first citizen at the mayor-making ceremony held at the Lowther Pavilion on Monday (May 11).

She said: "I want to make sure the family of Fylde remains a family and remains the lovely borough that it is.

"I would like to see the regeneration of St Annes being pushed off with some concrete evidence of what we want to do - not just talking about it.

"I have to refer to the borough as a whole and would like to see the resolution of some of the difficulties we are experiencing, such as the Ashton Gardens, Whyndyke Farm and Regent Avenue developments, so we can get on with living life in the Fylde.

"It is a great honour to be mayor and I am looking forward to the events of the year."

Anne has chosen the following charities to support for the year: the MRI Scanner Appeal, Age Concern, Ormerod Homes and the Dystonia Society.

Departing mayor Dawn Prestwich passed on her best wishes to her successor, saying: "I hope she has a happy year with a host of happy memories.

"Naturally, I leave the post with some sadness, but it's been a magic year and I've met some wonderful people.

"I have memories for ever and a day of my time as mayor and I hope Anne has the same at the end of her term."

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