Horwich's new mayor says he is honoured to represent his hometown as first citizen.

Cllr David Grant was made mayor this week.

Cllr Grant serves on Bolton Council and Horwich Town Council and is a member of Horwich and Blackrod First Independents.

Cllr Grant said: “I was deputy mayor last year, it’s always an honour to represent the town you were brought up in and to represent local charities.

“I’m going to continue the good work that all of my predecessors have done in Horwich, to enhance the name and character of Horwich Town Council to install some community respect and community cohesion and basically just work within the town whilst working with neighbouring town councils.”

As part of each town mayor’s duties, they pick charities to fundraise for.

Cllr Grant said: “I am going to champion Sam’s Warr;ors, Veteran’s Army and Rock It, a children’s charity working with music.

“Whatever the year brings, I’ll be championing those charities with whatever I do in the town.”

He paid tribute to outgoing mayor, Cllr Steven Chadwick, and his work over the last year.

He said: “He has been deputy mayor on three occasions, but we got to see him take on the role.

“My charities will also benefit from his endeavours with the Bolton Gin Company Mayoral Gin, which raised money for his charities.”

The mayoral gin will continue to be made, now raising money for Cllr Grant’s chosen charities until the end of his term.

He added: “Of course, Steven had to deal with the coronation of the new King and the death of our former monarch.

“I was lucky to be his deputy throughout the year.”

Outgoing mayor, Cllr Steven Chadwick, said: “Its been an incredible experience and a really busy year.

“Getting to see such a wide variety of charities and community groups in and around the town and attending many events.

“It’s just been a huge honour to represent the town you grew up in.”

Any organisations who wish to work with Cllr Grant as mayor should contact the Horwich town clerk’s office.