AN impassioned plea for a better Rossendale was made by the borough's first citizen Coun Jimmy Grogan.

He swapped one set of chains for another, having been Whitworth's mayor last year.

After a meal at the Astoria he told guests: "We have, over the years in Rossendale, lost most of our manufacturing industries, be it the shoe and slipper or cotton, and we as councillors must try to rectify this. Some of the things we must try to do are build modern factories with excellent infrastructure and top class working facilities.

"Along with these we need good class housing and shopping. I agree that Bank Street is one of the nicest in the North West, but we need more top quality shops and to get these we need to attract people to bring their industry to Rossendale."

He also made a plea for Rossendale to become a cleaner place and said: "What I would like to see is a cleaner and better place for everyone. While we may argue about government we are not doing our best for the people in Rossendale."

Attending the annual council meeting and dinner were former Rossendale MP David Trippier and Freeman of the Borough Joe Connolly, who both gave speeches.

Coun Grogan and his wife Lois have taken over from Coun David Hancock and his wife Denise. The retiring couple completed 702 engagements .

They raised £9,000 for local charities and used all their holidays from work to complete mayoral duties.

Coun Jimmy Eaton was installed as deputy mayor and seconding his proposal Coun Judith Driver said over the 30 years as a fundraiser in the Valley he had raised in excess of £272,000.