AN EDGWORTH parish councillor is swapping the boardroom for the theatre.

Cllr David Smith, vice-chairman of North Turton Parish Council, has been appointed the manager of Blackburn's newly-opened Thwaites Theatre.

Over the decades, Cllr Smith, a former big band musician and musical director, has rubbed shoulders with many of Britain's finest performers, including Tony Hancock, Ken Dodd, Morecambe and Wise and band leader Eric Delaney.

He has also appeared in a Royal Command Performance in front of Princess Margaret.

Cllr Smith, aged 58, from Edgworth, said: "I had many good times in that period and learned a lot. The performers were very professional and yet wonderful people."

Cllr Smith, who says his political career will not be affected, is also musical director at St Anne's Church In Edgworth.

He joined the Thwaites Theatre, formerly the Red Brick Theatre, as manager at the beginning of this year.