MEMBERS of Wigan's exclusive 'chain gang' club will make a return to the corridors of power next week for the unveiling of a new gallery of first citizens.

Photos of all the borough's mayors and mayoresses elected since 1974, when Wigan Metro was created, are being displayed for the first time on the walls of the civic corridor in the town hall leading to the committee rooms.

The previously blank walls will now have 29 colour photos - one for each and every first citizen and their partner, with room left for many more in the years to come.

The idea to create a permanent gallery came originally from Wigan's mayoral attendant, Harold Lowe, who travels round to other town halls in the region accompanying the maayor to functions.

Former Metro deputy leader Tom Sherratt then took up the idea. He explained: "In Leigh Town Hall they have pictures of all old Leigh mayors, and in fact this is quite common many other town halls as well.

"The committee room corridor was very plain and frankly boring. Not only have these pictures brightened up the walls, they are a very appropriate way of recognising the excellent work of our first citizens over the past 28 years."

The framed pictures were created from a variety of official portraits taken during the mayor's terms of office.