THE new mayor of Darlington has been honoured with a tradition which was shelved seven years ago.

Doris Jones, 59, of Middleton-One-Row, became the new mayor at a ceremony Darlington Town Hall last Thursday.

And for the first time in seven years, Coun Jones, as mayor of the town, had a lamp erected outside her home.

It is not known when the tradition of erecting a lamp started in Darlington but it is a common practice in Scotland.

The last time the lamp was erected was in 1995 when Coun Frank Robson was mayor, but since then no sponsors have come forward to fund the tradition.

But this year Savers Health and Beauty on the Faverdale Industrial Estate has provided the money for the lamp to be used again.

Coun Jones took over the role from Coun Isobel Hartley, who has raised £24,580 for more than 107 good causes throughout her year.

Coun Jones is married to Brian, a retired police officer, and they have three sons, a daughter, four granddaughters and two grandsons. Their seventh grandchild is due in June this year.

She was first elected to Darlington Borough Council in 1983 and since 1987 she has represented the Middleton-St-George ward and helped form the the Middleton-St-George Community Partnership.