Adlington'S new mayor has pledged to make a contribution to the town that will celebrate the Millennium and stand the test of time.

Councillor Steve Walkden, who runs Expressions Photography in the village, has been sworn in as first citizen after three years on the council.

Steve, who is from Adlington originally and lives in Park Road, recently took office along with his mayoress, wife Janice. He takes over from Coun Idris Rhys and his deputy will be Coun Barry Lee.

Steve also chairs the Adlington Millennium Fund and has decided to make it his chosen charity for the year ahead. Projects in the pipeline include a youth centre and a sensory garden.

He said: "I would like to continue fund-raising for the Millennium group. One scheme we have in mind is to build a community youth centre and pay for equipment using the funds.

"We'd also like to create a sensory garden with features for disabled people such as different scented plants, water features and spaces next to park benches for wheelchairs.

"I was delighted to be asked to be mayor. It is quite a responsible position and it is an honour for me to do it."

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