Coun Rona Winkworth became Mayor of Wigan after the annual mayor making ceremony at the Town Hall, replacing the outgoing mayor Coun John O'Brien.
Her daughter Gail Guy becomes Mayoress.

Colleagues paid tribute to Coun Winkworth, who moved to Wigan 20 years ago from North Wales, and praised her political work including her role as chair of the select committee.

They also praised her contribution to the people of Wigan and her commitment to her adopted borough.

In her acceptance speech, Coun Winkworth, of Winstanley, promised she would use her year in office to promote environmental issues, especially among young people, and to dedicate herself to her chosen charity, the Rainbow Room children's ward at Wigan Infirmary.

Speaking after the ceremony, Coun Winkworth said: "I plan to promote Wigan and make sure the people of the borough get a fair crack of the whip and enjoy my visits as much as I do.

"My main focus will be the children's ward which is going to be my charity and hopefully we will raise lots of money so we can buy some extra facilities for children and young people.

"The environment is also something that is close to my heart because I do recycle myself and encourage other people to do the same because it is only by doing these things that we will win on global warming.

Whenever possible I don't have carrier bags, I take my own bags."
Coun Mark Aldred and his wife Karen will take over the role of deputy-mayor and mayoress.

He is the youngest deputy-mayor ever to be appointed in Wigan and will become the youngest ever mayor of the borough when he succeeds Coun Winkworth next year.

Councillors also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Coun O'Brien, the out-going mayor, for the way in which he dealt with personal tragedy, the death of his wife Hazel, but carried out his duties with care and commitment.

Coun O'Brien raised more than £63,000 for his chosen charity, Breast Cancer Services, during his year as mayor. He was also praised for the fair way he conducted council meetings.