Chorley welcomes new Mayor for its municipal year, Councillor Tommy Gray

Michelle Gray, the Mayor's daughter, will be his Mayoress, with Councillor Gordon France and Councillor Margaret France appointed as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress.

Having served as a Parish Councillor for Euxton in the 1980s, the Mayor began his tenure serving as a Chorley Councillor in February 1990 for the Euxton North Ward, now the Euxton Ward.

A true ambassador for the borough, the Mayor was born, raised, and has spent most of his working life in Chorley. He was born in Chorley Hospital, was raised in Waterloo Street and attended St Joseph's Primary School and later St Mary's Senior School. He then worked at Brinscall Quarry for six years, moving to Leyland Motors for 21 years and Ruttle Plant Hire for 14 years.

The Mayor married in 1967 and he and his wife Mary moved to Euxton in 1974 with their three children, Judith, Sharon, and Michelle.

The Mayor of Chorley said, "It's an absolute honour to be able to serve the borough of Chorley as Mayor and I look forward to meeting as many people as possible during my mayoral year.

"I have always lived in Chorley, and I am so proud of our borough, our residents and communities and what can be achieved together. I very much look forward to visiting the wonderful businesses, community groups, schools and other organisations and individuals which make Chorley so special.

"During my time as Mayor, I will be raising funds for four incredibly important charities, St Catherine's Hospice, Derian House, North West Air Ambulance and Chorley Shop Mobility. I cannot wait to get started."