THE new Mayor of Sedgefield Borough is the first Scot to hold the post.

Former shipyard worker Jackie Piggott grew up 20 miles north of Glasgow, where he was a ship's joiner at the same time as Billy Connolly was an apprentice welder.

He moved to Newton Aycliffe in 1972 and worked for, among others, the Aycliffe Development Corporation, before retiring in 1991 and joining the council in 1999.

Coun Piggott, 71, who is married to Norah, represents the Neville and Simpasture ward on the borough and Great Aycliffe Town Council.

He has chosen the cardiac unit at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he had heart surgery, and the North-East Air Ambulance Service to support during his year.

Coun Lucy Hovvels, from the New Trimdon and Trimdon Grange Ward, is deputy mayor. Outgoing Mayor Coun Marie Predki presented £14,915 to The Butterwick Hospice, Bishop Auckland.

Coun Maxine Robinson has taken up her second term as Mayor of Sedgefield Town Council. Her charity appeal will support the Butterwick Hospice, which provides an outreach service at Sedgefield Community Hospital and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

She joined the town council nine years ago.