HYNDBURN pulled out all the stops for its 30th birthday bash - and not even the wet weather could dampen people's spirits.
Visitors flocked to the town throughout the weekend to enjoy the attractions, which had been organised to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the borough.
An activity afternoon at Accrington Library proved to be a big hit with families, featuring henna hand-painting, puppet-making, a buffet, Asian food and displays by community groups.
Shoppers also made the most of a continental market set up outside the Market Hall, selling a range of different breads, cheeses, sausages and soaps.
Over on Broadway, a 2BR radio roadshow kept the crowds entertained with performances of The Accrington Pals play and there was also a small funfair boasting dodgems and a candy-floss stall.
Primary school pupils from across Hyndburn added a touch of colour to the town when they joined in a procession to St James's Church, and councillors gathered at Accrington Town Hall to sing Happy Birthday, with the newly-elected Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Miles Parkinson, cutting a celebration cake.
The weekend ended with the official presentation of an Accrington Pals memorial to the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, which was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in 2002.
The stone, which has been erected outside St James's Church, commemorates the soldiers from the town who were killed at the Battle of the Somme in 1916.
Father David Lyon, rector of Accrington, led the dedication service and plans are now in place to redevelop and landscape the area around the memorial, which already boasts seating and colourful plants.
Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe described the weekend as a "magnificent success", with the library alone attracting 900 visitors.
He said: "It was an absolutely superb celebration of all that is good in Hyndburn and I was thrilled with the response. We're only a small council and the dedication of the officers in putting all this together was tremendous.
"It would have been nice if the weather had been better but that was the one thing we couldn't control. I think that even those who had reservations were pleased with the events we held, and I felt very proud to be the leader of Hyndburn Council."
HYNDBURN'S youngest-ever Mayor was officially installed on Saturday as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations.
And Councillor Miles Parkinson, 37, is looking forward to a busy year ahead - as he already juggles working as a part-time fireman, a union rep and a full-time warehouseman with his council duties.
During the ceremony, Councillor Parkinson said his aim was to make Hyndburn a safer place in which to live and work, by using his close connections with the fire service, police and council.
He added that other key challenges in the year ahead included a decision on the council's housing stock transfer and a referendum on the future of regional government. He said: "I would like to thank my fellow-councillors for supporting me and for bestowing this great honour on me."
The dad-of-two, who also has a grandchild, will be supported in his new role by his wife Bernadette, who will act as his Mayoress.
Councillor Parkinson takes over from Councillor Win Frankland, who steps down to become Deputy Mayor. His chosen charities for the year are Diabetes UK, the East Lancashire Hospice and the NSPCC.
Councillor David Myles, who officially nominated the new Mayor, said: "It is a real honour to propose Miles Parkinson. He is one of the warmest, kindest and gentlest men I have ever met."
The ceremony also saw 10 former councillors receive the title of Honorary Alderman for their services to the borough over the years.
They were: Mr Stan Arkwright, Mrs Marion Barrett, Mr Alan Benson, Dr Nigel Bramley-Haworth, Mr Bob Eddleston, Mr Bill Goldsmith, Miss Jessie Hall MBE, Mr Richard Heap, the Rev Ed Saville and Mr Mirza Yousaf.
Following the Mayor-making ceremony, Councillor Parkinson joined a procession led by the Accrington Pipe Band to St James's Church for a civic service.
