LIBERAL Democrats have elected Roger Hayes as leader, with a pledge to broaden the party's support across Bolton.

Cllr Hayes picks up the mantle from Barbara Ronson, who steps down to become Mayor of Bolton for the next 12 months.

It will not be his first taste of leadership, having fronted the group for a decade before stepping down because of work commitments in 1996.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge very, very much and want to repay the faith of those people who voted Liberal Democrat this year," he said.

"There's plenty to do in the next year and the priority is making sure the group is very effective in council and prepares itself for next year's elections."

The Liberal Democrats have fallen back since they took control of the council in 2004 and lost three seats on Thursday night to leave them with just 12.

Smithills ward member Cllr Hayes said: "Even when we were fairly strong a couple of years ago, we were fairly narrowly-based in the borough.

"I think one of the challenges is to widen that appeal to more wards."

Cllr Hayes was first elected as a Liberal party member in 1984 and returned from his spell on the political sidelines in 1998.

He was the council's deputy leader until May last year when Labour regained control.

The party elected Cllr David Wilkinson, who represents Westhoughton South, as deputy leader.