THE new Lord Mayor of Manchester has promised to keep Mancunians looking on the bright side of life.

Coun Alison Firth said she plans to pay attention to children and music in the city at her official Town Hall swearing-in ceremony.

She said: "Manchester as the original modern city is the hub of Greater Manchester and may become one of the first city regions, so even though times may be difficult we as Mancunians have many reasons to look on the bright side of life.

"I'm looking forward to representing this marvellous city and meeting people from all different backgrounds and traditions."

Coun Firth, 50, has been a councillor in Withington since 1984. She is a former teacher and works for Manchester University as a development officer at the John Rylands Library on Deansgate.

The former Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman moved to the city from Yorkshire as a student.

Relatives from around the world watched as the mum-of-one received the chain of office from Coun Mavis Smitheman.

She said her late mother, who was from Manchester, would have been proud.

Coun Pat Karney wished her luck and thanked Coun Smitheman for her work and the sparkle she brought to the role through her multicoloured hairstyles and glamorous nails.

He said: "Our marvellous Mavis has clocked up an amazing 652 engagements on behalf of the council and the city which by any records is an extraordinary record of hard work and dedication."

Lib Dem leader Coun Simon Ashley said she had been 'an original and modern lord mayor for a modern and multicultural city'.