THE tragic death of the new Mayor's teenage daughter spurred his choice of charities to support during his year in office. Peter Finch's 14-year-old daughter Debbie was severely injured and suffered brain damage in a road accident. She later died. The tragedy led to his interest in two of the charities he will support - aiding the families of children with learning disabilities and mental health problems.

Westhoughton Cllr Finch recalled his dramatic rescue from drowning during his inauguration speech today.

He had to be dragged to the shore by a surfer when he was swept out to sea while swimming in Barbados.

He said: "One day, I went into the sea and disaster struck - I was swept away from the shore by a strong current and no matter how I tried to swim back, I ended up further away."

Cllr Finch was on a trip with Westhoughton Cricket Club - which he supports home and away - when the near-tragedy happened.

And young cricketers will be one of the main recipients of the Mayor's charity this year.

A family tragedy led to his interest in two other charities he will support this year.

His daughter Debbie, aged 14, suffered brain damage and later died after a road accident.

He will be supporting the families of children with learning disabilites and mental health problems, and the intensive care unit at The Royal Bolton Hospital. Cllr Finch also explained how an earlier tragedy and "poverty and hard times" when he was a child had shaped his political views and spurred him on to join the Labour Party.

Both of his parents died when he was aged seven and the only boy in a family of six, he was brought up by his two of his sisters Mary and Pat and their husbands.

He paid tribute to all his family during his speech including his four children Elaine, Alan, Paul and Heather and his five grandchildren.

Born and bred in Westhoughton, Cllr Finch described himself as a "Howfener or Keawyed through and through and a Trotter by adoption."

He has recently been at the centre of controversy when strip shows were banned in the Bolton area and one national newspaper dubbed him a "spoilsport."

But he said today: "I was contemplating doing a Full Monty just to prove I am not a spoilsport, but they wouldn't let me bring the Mayor's hat - and the Mayor's chain is a little too short!"

His Mayoress is his partner Rita Fairhurst, a former Bolton councillor.

He also paid tribute to his predecessor Cllr Peter Birch and his Mayoress Glynis who are standing down after their year in office.

Cllr Finch said: "Their dedication and courage have been an example to all, particularly to those with health problems."

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