The new mayor of Bolton is welcoming people from all across the borough to join him for a Civic Parade this weekend.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman will be leading the Civic Sunday Parade through the town centre to the Parish Church on Sunday morning.

The parade will be commanded by Bolton’s local 216 Battery of the 103rd Regiment of the Royal Artillery and the procession will be led by The Royal Artillery Volunteers Band.

A council spokesperson said: “Cllr Zaman is Bolton’s first Asian Muslim Mayor and is exceptionally proud to be Bolton’s First Citizen.

“He has chosen his wife Nargis to be his Mayoress.

“During his time as Mayor, he will be raising funds for his four chosen charities, Fortalice, Bolton Hospice, Bolton Wanderers in the Community Charity, and Girlguiding.”

Cllr Zaman was confirmed as mayor at an inauguration on at Bolton Town Hall on Wednesday, taking over from outgoing mayor Cllr Linda Thomas.

The civic parade will be one of his first official engagements in the new role.  

The procession will leave Victoria Square at 10.35am and make its way to the Parish Church via Hotel Street, Mealhouse Lane, Deansgate, across Bradshawgate and down to Churchgate for the 11am service.