THE new Mayor of Preston was sworn in at the Town Hall this week in a blitz of pomp, circumstance and success stories.

Mayor Dick Evans used his installation to announce a major coup for the town - the Zebu, one of the main attractions of the Maritime festival is to become the Preston Heritage Ship, adopting the town as its home.

But Coun Evans' election as Mayor was a triumph in itself - it was only after a three-year battle against ill health, following two heart attacks that he was able to take up the honour.

But thanks to the Royal Preston and Wythenshawe Hospitals, Mayor Evans was glowing with health when he took the oath to serve the people. He said: "I hope to continue the work of my predecessors to bring more trade, industry, and proper jobs to the area."

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