Colourful Saddleworth is all white at tradition

Photo: Tim Bradley

ALL SMILES... Yorkshire Day presenter Gilbert Symes

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THE MAYOR of Oldham attended a traditional Yorkshire Day celebration yesterday - and revealed he wanted to live in Saddleworth.

Ateeque Ur-Rehman, who attended the Uppermill ceremony with Mayoress Yasmin Toor, declared: “It is important to celebrate culture and heritage and that is what we are trying to do as a borough.

“It’s a pleasure to be invited once again to Saddleworth. It is our ambition to move here one day.

“My wife is a poet and wants to live and write here to be inspired by the countryside,” he added.

More than 100 proud locals gathered near the museum on High Street to hear the “Yorkshire Declaration of Integrity”, read by colourful Delph resident Gilbert Symes.

Uppermill Band entertained and Mr Symes recited “In Saddleworth” by local poet and historian Ammon Wrigley.

Then Councillor Pam Byrne, Saddleworth Parish Council vice-chairman, laid a white wreath on the statue of the legendary poet. She said: “It is an honour for me to be at this ceremony. I think it is very important our heritage is maintained.”

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “I am a Yorkshire lass born and bred so this is an important day for me.”

With flags waving, locals moved to the King George V Playing Fields where a country fair offered an afternoon of fun and games for all ages