BOLTON'S top brass were out in force to see cllr Richard Silvester take up his role as the new mayor of Horwich.

The leader of the council, the mayor and mayoress of Bolton, MP Julie Hilling and dignitaries from neighbouring parishes made their way to Horwich's public hall for the event, which saw outgoing mayor cllr Christine Root hand over the mayoral chain to Cllr Silvester.

And it was a family-orientated night as it was revealed that Cllr Silvester's mother, town councillor Julia Silvester will serve as her son's deputy mayor for the year.

The new mayor, aged 41, represents Horwich North East on Bolton Council as well as the Lever Park ward for Horwich Town Council.

Addressing the gathered crowd, he said: "I am really looking forward to my year of office as Town Mayor and supporting all of our local charities, societies, faith groups, Churches, Resident’s Associations and organisations."

He also paid tribute to the work done by cllr Root during her term, adding: "She has had a wonderful year of office and has worked very hard."