The Mayor of Oldham for the last 12 months is to return for another year in the role after a first year in the role was rocked by the death of the mayoress.

Zahid Chauhan, a councillor for Alexandra Ward and GP, was appointed to the position for the first time a year ago after a decade in the council chamber.

Tragically, a matter of months later, the Mayor of Oldham stepped back from civic commitments when wife Afsheen Chauhan received a devastating diagnosis of cancer. She died of the disease two months ago.

Eddie Moores, a councillor for Chadderton North Ward, stepped up to these civic commitments as his deputy and now Cllr Chauhan is to return for another year in the role with Cllr Moores as his deputy again.

The Oldham Times: Mayor of Oldham Zahid Chauhan

They were appointed to their positions for the second time on Wednesday (May 22).

Cllr Chauhan said: "I am honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as the mayor for a second year. I would like to thank all the people who supported me over the last 12 months.

"I am looking forward to serving the residents of my much-loved hometown and I will continue to champion the projects which make a difference to the people in our communities." 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.