Mayor-making was very much a family affair this year, for Burnley's new Mayor, Councillor Mrs Sarah Ennis, took office, watched by more than 40 relatives. Taking a front row seat at the proceedings were the eight children of Mayoress Mrs Eileen Ennis: Michael (21), Anthony (20), John (19), Marie (17), Gerard (14), Andrew (12), Catherine (9) and Stephen (7), and husband Mr Brian Ennis. Also there was the Mayoress's brother-in-law Fr Gerald Ennis, a Roman Catholic priest, who had travelled from London to be at the ceremony.

One of the most striking aspects of this year's colourful pageant was a vivid display of flowers, supplied by the Parks Department, which included boughs of laburnum, hydrangeas, and banks of potted plants set round a working fountain.

To become Mayor of one's native town is the proudest honour for any local politician. But for Burnley's new Mayor, Councillor Mrs Sarah Ennis, Wednesday's Mayor-making ceremony was more than this. It was the fulfilment of her dream to continue the work of her husband, former Councillor George Ennis. When her husband died, Councillor Mrs Ennis entered politics only to carry on his ideals. Now, after almost 16 years' unbroken council service she has carved a place which is distinctly her own in the annals of the town. As chairman of the council's Public Protection Committee and formerly of the county borough's Health Committee she has made the welfare of Burnley's old and infirm her prime concern. It came as no surprise to those who know her that equipment of the showpiece Temple Street Recreation Centre, which she did so much to create, has been chosen as the target of her Mayoral fund. As well as her political activities, Mrs Ennis has served as chairman of the governors of Walshaw Girls' School, a foundation governor of St. Theodore's RC School, governor of St Hilda's School and manager of six primary schools. She was also a magistrate for 24 years, until retiring at the age of 70, some months ago.