A FORMER firefighter has been named as deputy chairman of Lancashire County Council.

County Councillor Bob Wilkinson, 57, will work with chairman, Nora Ward, representing Lancashire at events and functions over the next 12 months.

Coun Wilkinson, who has been a county councillor since 1993, represents Haslingden and is chairman of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.

He said: "It's a wonderful honour to be chosen to represent the county in such an important role."