First citizen re-elected

Coun John McGowan, who was chosen for a second term at the mayor-making ceremony, outlined plans for the run-up to the millennium as he received his chain of office. He said millennium commemorative mugs and teaspoons would be presented to senior citizens in the town.

"All school pupils will also receive a mug and in September of next year there will be a torchlight procession.

"A town sign will be erected and a commemorative stained glass window installed in Clitheroe library," he said.

Last year, Coun McGowan outlined plans to re-form the Clitheroe town band and establish a Youth Council, both of which were nearing completion, he said.

Coun McGowan's re-election was proposed by Coun Brigid Hardwick, who said he had shown himself capable of serving the town "with great energy and kindness."

Coun McGowan's wife, Pat, will be mayoress and his deputy will be Clitheroe newsagent Alan Yearing. Coun Yearing hails from a small rural community in Lincolnshire and is a former town mayor of Grimsby.

He came to Clitheroe in 1996 and runs a shop in Bawdlands with his wife, Susan, who will be deputy mayoress.

During the ceremony, the mayor performed his first official task and presented four town awards. The first, for building enhancement and restoration improvements, went to James Warburton, of the Emporium Antiques Centre in Moor Lane, a converted derelict chapel.

Awards for service to the town were presented to Clitheroe resident Brin Joynson, for his numerous charitable works, and the Ribble Valley Crossroads Care group.

An environmental improvement award was handed to St James' CE Primary School for work by youngsters to "green" their school grounds.

After official business, town crier Roland Hailwood led a procession through Clitheroe, accompanied by mounted police, town sergeant Roger Hirst and the halberdiers, a traditional ancient guard.

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