A FORMER mayor has put away his golf clubs for the last time after retiring as a club's secretary.

Donald McNeil decided to bow out of Rishton Golf Club on his 90th birthday and the occasion was marked with a party. His children flew in from Los Angeles and Spain for the celebrations.

Mr McNeil, of Station Road, Rishton, was responsible for setting up the club again after it had closed during the Second World War.

He has held every post including president and secretary but says the time is right to leave now.

"I am 90 and I have suffered a stroke, so, unfortunately, I have to put my clubs away now.

"But I've had some very happy times and I've seen a lot of changes over the years."

Mr McNeil was Hyndburn's second mayor. He represented the Conservatives for nearly 40 years, representing Rishton, and was chairman of the former Rishton Urban Council twice. He was also made a Freeman of Hyndburn in 1982.

His son, Francis, came from Spain for the party and daughter Pat from Los Angeles.

Mr McNeil's other children, Donald, Nicholas, Ian and Eileen, also joined their father for the celebrations with other relatives and club members.

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