New Ceremonial Mayor takes office

Councillor Barclay, a Manor House Ward councillor and Hartlepool Borough Council's Armed Forces Champion, was appointed at the authority's Annual Council meeting.

He becomes Ceremonial Mayor after serving as Deputy to former Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Paul Beck over the last 12 months.

Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Allan Barclay (right) with Deputy Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Rob Cook

Councillor Barclay has chosen the Hartlepool Armed Forces Liaison Group and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal as the good causes that will benefit from his fundraising activities during his year in office, and he has also pledged support for the town's Rifty Youth Project.

Councillor Rob Cook, who represents the De Bruce ward, will serve as Deputy Ceremonial Mayor.