THE official start of the Mayoral year took place on Sunday, June 10.

Dignitaries from across the north west gathered together for the annual Civic Sunday parade and service.

The entourage left the Town Hall, led by Mayor Clr Linda Dirir and consort Alin Dirir and deputy Mayor Celia Jordan and her consort Roy Jefferson.

Braving the blazing tempera-

tures, the group were dressed in the formal Mayoral attire for the parade to the parish church of St Elphin's.

Among the marchers were

councillors and chairman and members of a number of parish councils in the borough.

The Mayor was also accompanied by youngsters from the Wilderspool Causeway based TS Obdurate sea cadets.

Clr Dirir said she used the service to further her green agenda for the year.

"The response has been very positive.

"And for the buffet we only used locally produced food, all sourced from 10 miles around and with labels so people knew what they were eating."

gdunning@guardiangrp.co.uk