Bell-Ringer Simon is New Mayor

Councillor Hore, 54, who represents the Chipping ward, was born an identical twin in Surrey and raised in South London.

He moved to Chipping 23 years ago with wife Grace and young daughter Lindsay when he was appointed managing director of a wine and spirit bottlers in Preston.

Councillor Hore has worked in the wine and spirit industry for over 35 years, initially with a wine merchants in London, then with the London wine and spirit division of the Courage Brewery, followed by stints in Scotland and England.

He currently works as director of operations for a Ribchester company designing and selling food and alcohol gifts.

Councillor Hore is a trustee of the Chipping and District Memorial Hall, a former warden at St Bartholomew's Church, Chipping, and currently the church's tower captain.

He said: "Ribble Valley is a very special place, with a wonderful array of rural businesses, community organisations, charities, community events, farmers and food producers, all with an enthusiasm to succeed for the benefit of the community.

"I am truly honoured to accept the role of Ribble Valley Mayor and look forward with some trepidation to the fantastic challenge it will present.

"I am also proud to be the first mayor of the borough from the Chipping ward and am grateful to the residents of Chipping, Bowland with Leagram and Dunsop Bridge for re-electing me as their councillor in the recent local elections."

Councillor Hore received his chains at a mayor-making ceremony in the Ribble Valley Borough Council Chamber.

His mayoress is his wife, Grace, and his chosen charities are Crossroads Care and Macmillan Cancer Support.