A LONG-SERVING councillor hopes to witness the continuing regeneration of his home city during his year as mayor.

Councillor Les Scott was elected to the post in Sunderland after 28 years on the city council, representing St Chad's ward.

He took up the chain of office, succeeding Councillor Tom Foster, at the annual meeting of the council.

He spent his working career in human resources, mostly with Laing Construction.

As a council member he has served on the finance, housing and education committees, and was deputy leader from 1990 to 1994.

Coun Scott said: "During my time as councillor, I have seen the transformation of Sunderland, and I'm very proud to have been part of that process."

His chosen charities for fundraising will be The Salvation Army in Sunderland, and Sunderland AFC's charitable arm, the SAFC Foundation.

He will be accompanied at civic functions by his wife, the new mayoress, Ann Scott.

* Gateshead's outgoing mayor, Councillor Maureen Goldsworthy, hung up her robes and handed over to a former mayor and councillor, David Lynn, in a ceremony at the civic centre.