Emma's pride in role representing Wyre

Coun Anderton, who represents the town’s Warren ward, succeeded fellow Fleetwood councillor Terry Rogers in the post.

The 43-year-old will be carrying out her mayoral duties over the next 11 months with her partner, Dan Henshaw, and the pair be attending the events which the new Mayor of Wyre, Coun Terry Lees, will be unable to attend.

It will mean travelling all over the borough, visiting communities not just in her native Fleetwood but in areas as far flung as Garstang and the Trough of Bowland.

Coun Anderton, who was first elected onto the local authority as a Labour member five years ago, in May 2011, says the ceremonial role is still important.

Coun Anderton, who grew up in Fleetwood and lives on Laidleys Walk, said: “I’m very honoured to take up this post.

“I think the Mayor and Deputy Mayor still have an important role to play.

“Even though my heart is still in Fleetwood, I will be representing the whole of Wyre and visiting other communities and meetinglots of new people.

“When there are events across Wyre, whether it be Girl Guides or school graduations, it adds to the sense of occasion and I think people appreciate it.

“Dan and I will also be trying to help raise as much money towards the Mayoral charities as possible.”

Coun Terry Lees, who represents Thornton’s Bourne ward, originally served from May 1995 to May 2007 and was re-elected onto the council in May 2011.

The Labour councillor, who lives on Waring Drive, Thortnon, has chosen as his charities the NSPCC and the armed forces charity SSAFA.