COUN Charles Bullas has taken over as the Mayor of Burnley for the year 2012/13.

Coun Bullas took over the mayoral chain from Coun David Heginbotham at lunchtime on Wednesday, while the Queen was visiting the town.

His first civic appearance as new mayor was in Accrington to meet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh there.

Coun Bullas, who has been on the council since 1999, said: “I stand here today a very proud and honoured man who feels very privileged.

“I am proud to have been born in Burnley and in particular the Burnley Wood area.”

After leaving school and taking on a number of small jobs he joined the fire service for five years, before starting a career at Lucas Engineering, where he spent 30 years, finishing as site manager at the Rossendale Road factory.

In March this year he stepped down as president of Burnley Golf Club after a three-and-a-half year stint in the role.

His mayoress will be wife Irene, with who he has two children, and they are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary this year.

Coun Bullas said: “The charities we have chosen this year will be Pendleside Hospice and other small charities and organisations in the borough who do so much to help families.”