THE 24th chairman of Barnoldswick Town Council has been elected.

Coun David Stead, who officially took up the position at last week’s meeting, takes over from Coun Allan Buck.

He said: “I am very grateful to accept this office for the coming year.

“Barnoldswick has an active, forthright population and the town is unique in that it has a strong heritage from both counties (Lancashire and Yorkshire).

“I want to lead from the front and when I’m in the position I’ll put the ‘B’ in Barnoldswick.”

Coun Buck said that several successful events had been held during his year in office, including the 90th anniversary of Bancroft Mill, the return of the bells to Ghyll church, the national town criers’ competition, the Christmas lights switch-on and the Beating the Bounds walk.

Coun David Whipp, who was the town’s first ever chairman, is the new vice- chairman.