THE new mayor of Blackrod took her seat on a night of celebrations for the village.

Beryl Monaghan was handed the mayor's chain for the fourth time, having also previously served as the mayoress of Bolton.

She thanked the outgoing mayor, Stephen Laycock for his service over the past year, she said: "Stephen didn't know what he was letting himself in for but he quickly got into the swing of things and enjoyed attending all the various events in Blackrod, so I would like to propose a vote of thanks for his service."

On becoming mayor again, Mrs Monaghan said: "It is an honour to be your mayor once again, as you can see from the board it is not my first time."

Cllr Laycock said it had been an "amazing honour" to serve as mayor for the past year, adding: "Thank you to everyone in the room, you have been a fantastic public."

Cllr Mike Hollick was named as deputy mayor for the year, taking over from Cllr Monaghan in that role.

The evening also saw the village's civic and community awards given out, with John Price receiving the civic prize for his outstanding contribution to the village.

On picking up the award, he said: "It is very humbling to think that people have voted for me, the work we do in the community isn't like work, I have made some great friends along the way."

There was also a presentation of posthumous community award for former Blackrod mayor John Seddon, in recognition of his tireless work to improve the lives of people with disabilties.

Mr Seddon died last year and his widow Isabel collected the award for him, she said: "I am really honoured that the council think John's work is relevant, I will cherish this award."