THE borough's new mayor was sworn into office at a full council meeting yesterday, Wednesday.

Cllr Ron Conway, who is looking forward to his 12-month reign, has selected Wigan and Leigh Hospice as the charity he will raise funds for over the next year.

Representing the Aspull, Whelley and New Springs ward, he has been a councillor for six years and succeeds Cllr Susan Loudon as mayor.

Cllr Bill Clarke, who represents the Ashton ward, has been elected as deputy mayor.

“I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to fulfil the role of first citizen of the borough," said Cllr Conway.

“I’d like to say thank you to my family and friends, who have joined me in this honour, and to the residents of the borough for being so welcoming.

“I love being a councillor and having a good relationship with our residents.

“I hope to continue with this work while I am mayor of Wigan Borough. I am proud to represent you and pledge to do my best.”

Speaking about the Hindley-based Wigan and Leigh Hospice being his chosen charity for 2016-17, Cllr Conway said: “The reason I chose the hospice is because of the remarkable work it does in serving people from all over the borough, caring for patients, either in their own home or in the hospice, with dignity and compassion.”

He has always lived in the borough and although he has only been a councillor since 2010 he has been an active member of the community for a number of years, founding and chairing Aspull, New Springs and Whelley Community Forum among other ventures.

Cllr Conway's first official mayoral event will be at the Leigh Deal Day in Civic Square tomorrow, Friday.

The new mayor and mayoress, Janet Conway, will also lead the annual Civic Sunday celebrations at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Haigh Road, Wigan, this weekend, starting at 9.30am.