HELMSHORE councillor Joyce Pawson is to take chain of office in 2007 after Rossendale's newest and youngest councillor turned down the chance to don the mayoral robes.
Labour's Ruth Alcroft was the only councillor eligible to take the title under rules which say the mayoralty should switch between the main political parties instead of just having the longest-serving councillor take the role.
No other councillor qualified because any mayor needs to be at least two years away an election Coun Alcroft was only elected to the authority in October at the age of 29.
But Labour leader David Hancock advised Coun Alcroft to decline the offer, saying: "I think it's a shame the principal of the mayoralty isn't that it's a long-standing councillor."
Coun Alcroft added: "I was astounded in my 10th week to even be considered for this position.
"I wish her all the best in her position and hope that I will get the opportunity again."
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