Civic honour is a '˜dream come true' for new Mayor of Preston

Coun John Collins, who has represented Moor Park ward since 2000, will become the 689th Mayor of Preston tomorrow evening.

As the civic figurehead of the city, Coun Collins will attend more than 200 community events, and will represent Preston at formal occasions.

A lifelong Prestonian and former history teacher, Coun Collins said he was looking forward to his year in office as the city’s Mayor, a position which dates back to 1327.

He said: “There’s so much history and heritage to the position of mayor and as a former history teacher, it’s a dream come true to be the new Mayor of Preston. Preston is a great city with lots going on and I’m really looking forward to attending a wide variety of community events.

“As mayor, I’ll also be representing Preston at a whole host of occasions and that’s something I feel very fortunate and privileged to do.

“Fundraising is also a big part of being mayor and my mayoral charities this year are Heartbeat and Blood Bikers.

“During the year, I’ll be ably assisted by two very dear friends, Mrs Mary Brade and Mrs Joan McGinty who will be taking turns to accompany me as mayoress. I am very grateful to them and also to my friends and colleagues for all their support in becoming mayor.”

Coun Collins, who was leader of the city council between 2003 and 2007, will be made mayor at a ceremony at Preston Town Hall tomorrow.

He was born in Preston in 1943, and graduated from the University of Cardiff in 1965.

He then had a thirty-year career as a teacher, teaching at schools including Brownedge St Mary’s High School in Bamber Bridge from 1979 to 1997.