The new mayor, Councillor Frank Robinson (Con, Calverley and Farsley), has also chosen St Wilfrid's for the annual civic service.

Rev John Walker said: "This is a double honour for Calverley Parish Church. It comes at a time when we want to have a greater commitment to and involvement with the local and wider community.

"Councillor Frank Robinson is known for his commitment to the community he serves, particularly in the 'field' of parks and gardens; he's a familiar face for example in the annual judging of Calverley in Bloom. Our contribution in this area has been in a regeneration of our churchyard with the introduction of sheep and goats, a tree nursery
and efforts to provide a habitat for local wildlife. We're also hoping to have a 'creation/new creation' theme at the civic service.

"The civic service takes place the day after our annual Summer Carnival which Councillor Robinson will be opening, and so we look forward to welcoming the new Lord Mayor and his wife Sheila, the new Lady Mayoress, on both these occasions."

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Frank Robinson said: "I'm very grateful to John for accepting this post. St Wilfrid's is such a delightful church and John and his church wardens are always extremely enthusiastic and helpful, so I'm also thrilled that they've
agreed to host the civic service."