HYNDBURN Council has appointed a temporary mayor to carry out duties until the mayor-in-waiting, Coun Edith Dunston, recovers from illness.

Dr Mohammed Rahman, 72, who has represented Great Harwood's Netherton ward for ten years, was unanimously voted into the role at the council's annual meeting. His wife Hosne-ara will be mayoress.

The retired GP will hold the post until September 23, when Coun Dunston is expected to be well enough to be installed as the mayor.

At the meeting Coun Lesley Jackson said Dr Rahman, who has two children and two grandchildren, was a "gifted, respected and worthy councillor" who would represent Hynd-burn well.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe added: "When-ever you see him he is always smiling.

"With that smile and that warmth I think he will be the mayor that brings the sun out on Hyndburn Borough Council."

Retiring mayor Coun Janet Storey, who said she had a "wonderful" year in the job, will serve as deputy mayor for 2006/2007.

She thanked her husband Philip, who has been consort, and mayoress Yvonne Wilson and said: "I hope we haven't disappointed people.

"We have tried to attend everything with dignity, humility and plenty of laughs."