BURNLEY'S new first citizen adopted a theme used by former American President John F Kennedy when he was officially installed yesterday.

Coun Mohammad Najib spoke of his pride at being elected Burnley Mayor and said: "At a local level it is for us all to think not what our town can do for us, but what can we do for our town."

The 56-year-old, who has had two spells as a Labour councillor for Queensgate, accepted the position at the mayor making ceremony at Burnley Town Hall, with his wife of 28 years, Shamim, as his mayoress.

They succeed Coun Roger Frost and his mayoress, Mrs Pauline Frost-Hardwick, who raised £17,833 for charity.

Coun Najib said: "Burnley is my home, the home of my children and the home of most of my friends.

"Every time I land at the airport, returning from a trip abroad, I get a true feeling of returning home.

"Burnley has been good to me and my family.

"Burnley is a good town and what makes it a good town is the people of Burnley.

"They are compassionate, they are caring and they are passionate about this town.

"I share that passion for the town."

He will raise money for cancer charities in memory of his brother.

Coun Najib added: "My brother died at a young age from this terrible disease and I want to do as much as I can to help."

In proposing Coun Najib for the role of Mayor, colleague, Coun Tony Lambert said: "Najib, as he is known to his friends, has served the Queensgate ward well for 12 years and richly deserves this honour."

Coun Peter McCann was elected Deputy Mayor.