Bolton Civic Parade to welcome new mayor to borough

A crowd gathered around the town hall under the gleaming sunshine to watch as a procession led the way for the Civic Sunday Parade for new Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub.

Bolton’s 216 Battery of the 103rd Regiment of the Royal Artillery and the territorial unit marched with ceremonial music from the town hall to Bolton Parish Church, where a beautiful service was held.

The mayor, Cllr Ayub, said: “My Mayoress and I are delighted that so many people have joined us here to share this special day.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming along to show your support, it really means so much to both of us.”

A choir from St James’ Church of England School sang a soulful rendition of Coldplay’s Fix You.

Former mayor, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, was in good spirits at the parade and service.

He said: “It was a great service, it was a beautiful day and we had good attendance at the church.

“I felt it was delivered really well.

“It was a huge honour to have been the mayor of Bolton and as my term came to an end, I have a lot of good memories to take away from it.

“I’ve been out in every part of the borough and had a lot of respect from people.”

Cllr Zaman also wished his friend of many years and fellow councillor well for his new mayoral term.

He said: “I wish him the best of luck. He’s one of my closest friends, so I wish him well and know that he will do a good job.

“He will also come away with brilliant memories from the role as well as learn about the borough.”

Cllr Ayub will be the first Bolton Mayor of Kashmiri origin and is exceptionally proud to be Bolton’s First Citizen.

The mayor has chosen his wife Zaibun Nisa of 45 years to be his Mayoress.

He said: “We are committed to working hard in the year ahead, to promote and celebrate our town as well as give support to those in need.”