WHAT a feather in the cap it is for Oldham that the town’s third annual Comic Con – that celebration of the superhero fantasy world– is so popular it had to be moved from the library to the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

More than 10,000 people are expected to visit the event, which runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, many of whom will be dressed as their favourite characters.

On the back of local elections, and now looming European elections forced by the continuing impasse over UK withdrawal, a bit of escapism and light relief is more than a little welcome.

The numbers attending this event have doubled in each of the three years it has taken place, which says a lot for the organiser Dennis Whittle from The Comic Den Comic book shop in Manchester Chambers that this has been achieved, and evidenced by a raft of sponsors.

That so many esteemed artists – upwards of 30 – are visiting is a testament to this uplifting festival’s success.

And let’s hope other businesses in the town centre can benefit from the obvious boost to the local economy that 10,000 people can bring on a Saturday.

On an equally optimistic note, how delightful it is to read of Cllr Ginny Alexander’s joy at being named as the next mayor of Oldham.

It’s easy to be cynical and judgemental about our local politicians, but Ginny has been rewarded for a lot of difficult and unseen work she has done in the local community and was genuinely surprised and overjoyed at being told the news following Tuesday night’s annual Labour group meeting.

Ginny will already know that she’s going to have busy but unforgettable 12 months ahead as the town’s first citizen. We say good luck to her.