Talk about surreal sights...

A former mayor is belting out karaoke to a small but appreciative audience including Lancashire's High Sheriff (who was mistaken for Ormskirk's new town crier) at Hope St. in Ormskirk.

Helen Bingley OBE DL spent Wednesday morning at the cafe's regular karaoke session chatting to visitors including one Aughton lady who told her: "To me, Hope St. is the heart of Ormskirk".

Regaling her with various karaoke performances was former mayor Terry ('Yank') Aldridge who along with former councillor Noel Delaney chatted with Helen who'd travelled down from her home near Lancaster for her first visit to the town.

And she thoroughly enjoyed her time there as shown on her lively FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/people/High...ref=embed_page

Her parting shot to Terry was how she 'loved' his Scouse accent - after a photocall (and being presented with an 'I love Ormskirk' mug) Helen, Sheila Byrne, who started Hope St. and has big plans for its future, and QLocal boss Steve Ashcroft popped down for a coffee at the new Clock Tower Exchange where the former bar maid pulled a pint with manager Paulo Alves.

A short whistlestop tour locally also saw her meet Mr. Thompson of gingerbread fame, Ian Unsworth at his Pangea showroom, Adam Wilkinson at Aughton's Moor Hall and Sal Meah at Nellies in Scarisbrick; Helen has some exciting plans to work with charities in and around the borough and QLocal will be working closely with her over the coming months as one 'media partner'.

Helen has also been in touch with Sheila Byrne with some valuable tips on how to access funding from LANPAC (the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime), the Police and Crime Commissioner and other donors.

After her visit, she told QLocal reporter Roger Blaxall: "I want to be a High Sheriff for all the people and my trip to Ormskirk helped me do just that.

"I am really looking forward to returning soon to meet more inspirational businessfolk and those who make such a difference to the community in local charities and as local volunteers."