N "horrific" incident in which the mayor's £200,000 civic chains were stolen after her driver was attacked is to be featured in BBC TV's Crimewatch Roadshow.

The programme-makers were yesterday (Wed May 27) were scheduled to interview Pilkington Park councillor Michelle Wiseman who was the borough's Mayor when the violent robbery happened in October last year.

In her speech at last week's annual Bury Council meeting, marking the end of her year in office, Cllr Wiseman spoke about the theft of the chains and the plight of her driver, Jet Vyas, who sustained a fractured shoulder after being hit with a hammer. The robbery, involving two men, happened in Stonemere Drive, Radcliffe.

She said: "As you know, one horrific incident that took place at the end of October last year threatened to overshadow the whole year and that is why I wish to mentin it here.

"Jet Vyas, my driver, was violently attacked after an engagement at Radcliffe Civic Hall to commemorate those who had died in the First World War. He was badly injured and is still to return to work.

"The historic chains of Bury, together with the mayoress's chain, were stolen and to date have not been recovered. Without exception, every engagement I have attended since that terrible night I have been asked 'how is Jet' and about the chains and I know that you all join me today in wishing Jet a speedy recovery and that we hope to see him out and about in Bury again very soon."

Cllr Wiseman, now the deputy mayor, disclosed: "The Crimewatch Roadshow are going to be featuring this theft in a future programme which shows the severity of this terrible attack, not only on Jet but on the people of this town."

It is not yet known when the programme is likely to be broadcast.

In her speech last week, Cllr Wiseman said she and her mayoress daughter, Danielle, had had "an incredible year" as mayor and mayoress which saw the duo fulfil nearly 400 engagements. She revealed that throughout her mayoral year, £10,000 was raised for her chosen charities, Grace's Place and the North West Air Ambulance.

She concluded: "Thank you to you all for giving Danielle and I the opportunity to represent our magnificent town in such an honoured, wonderful and memorable way."