SCHOOLCHILDREN rubbed shoulders with town hall VIPs when Pendle's new mayor took office.

Councillor Jo Belbin is a governor at Laneshaw Bridge and Christ Church primary schools, Colne, and staff and children from both schools enjoyed the civic splendour of the mayor-making ceremony at Nelson town hall.

Her mayoral year will correspond with her ruby wedding anniversary, making it extra special. Her husband John is her consort for the year.

Coun Belbin said she looked forward to a year of promise and excitement, but she warned that Pendle Council would have to find savings of £1.4 million in the coming 12 months.

But she looked forward to a year of continuing achievement and paid tribute to her predecessor Coun Frank Clifford, who was not at the ceremony to hand over the chain of office.

Instead he was enjoying a well-earned break in Scotland, convalescing after recent hospital stays and waiting for a heart by-pass operation. "I must thank the retiring mayor for all the duties he was able to carry out during his year of office," Coun Belbin said.

"I'm sorry he isn't with us today and sorry too that his ill health has curtailed his activities."

The longest and most enthusiastic applause of the ceremony was for retiring mayoress Carol Riley, whose committee raised a massive £19,295 for Burnley and Pendle Hospice during the past year. She was praised by representatives of all three political parties for her hard work and effort.

The audience at the annual ceremony included members of her Coun Belbin's family who travelled from Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire to watch.

Coun Belbin mentioned new council projects including the learners' swimming pool in Barnoldswick, a business centre in Nelson, the Pennine bridleway and cycleway which will pass through the borough and a lottery bid for a new all weather pitch in Colne.

She told the meeting: "We have exciting things to look forward to."

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