ULVERSTON Mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe has paid tribute to the generosity of Furness folk in a farewell speech before passing on the chains of office.

"I would like to thank all who have made this year so special," he said at Ulverston Town Council's annual meeting. "The generosity of the people and companies from Ulverston, Barrow and other parts of the district, have enabled many charities to benefit from the Mayor's fund."

Mr Bishop-Rowe looked back over a year which included the gloom of job losses in Ulverston and Barrow, particularly at the shipyard. There was also the demise of the Minor Injuries Unit, a cause which Mr Bishop-Rowe fought for and won some ground from the health authority in the shape of an apology for poor communication over the closure decision.

But he also looked to the positives including a £1.3 million boon from the North West Development Agency for the Ulverston and Low Furness Market Towns Initiative.

He recalled some of the travels with his chain, including supporting Ulverston's many festivals, meeting a delegation from twin town Albert and a civic visit of Cumbrian mayors.

There were many moments he would cherish from his year in office, he said, adding that it had been an honour and a privilege to serve as town mayor.

"The population of Ulverston may only be just over 12,500 but what a community spirit there is and without that community this town would be the poorer," he said.