FOR the first time in Clitheroe's history the new town mayor for the year is a woman.

During the annual town Mayor-Making ceremony Coun Mary Robinson was officially made Clitheroe Town Mayor.

She is the first lady mayor since the passing of the Municipal Corporations Act in 1835.

It was back in 1982 when the town almost had a female mayor. But Coun Barbara Speak had to pull out of the ceremony just two weeks before being due to be installed through a hospital appointment.

During the formal ceremony, when the retiring town mayor Coun Alan Yearing presented the town awards, a posthumous award for services to Clitheroe was bestowed on Clitheroe's 'adopted son,' Lancashire Evening Telegraph photographer John (Jack) Barry, who died in February.

Coun Yearing said Jack was missed by everyone, having been involved in many organisations within the town, including Clitheroe 2000, which organised the nativity play in the Castle grounds in December and young achievers' awards.

"He was always seen taking photographs, but would shy away from publicity for himself," said Coun Yearing.

Before the formal changeover of office and the customary mayoral procession through the town led by two police horses, Coun Yearing presented the awards to other members of the community for their own services.

Included in the roll-call was Grace Hulbert, who was honoured for her continued services to the Clitheroe Luncheon Club, a section of the Pendle Club which provides weekly lunches to members.

She also helps deliver meals on wheels and works in the Rue Ryder charity shop in Moor Lane. Chairman of the Pendle Club Brian Haig was another recipient of the special services award. Mr Haig came to the area in 1972 and has been involved in the town ever since.

A founder member of the Ribble Valley Talking Newspaper, Mr Haig has also been involved in Clitheroe Round Table, the Rotary Club of Ribblesdale as well as helping to organise the Christmas parcels for the elderly and is involved with the Friends of Chernobyl's Children.

The other main awards were for building enhancement and restoration, which went to DJP Domestic Appliances Ltd and also Primrose Mill Carpet Shop.

Both were congratulated on the marked difference they had made to the appearance of their premises.

For environmental improvements the award was given to Highfield Road Children's Play Area which has recently undergone a dramatic change to improve conditions and safety for its young users.

The award was received by Yvonne Haworth and Sharon Beardsworth.