THE new mayor of Darlington is to be honoured with a tradition which was shelved seven years ago.

Councillor Doris Jones, 59, from Middleton-One-Row, will become the new mayor at a ceremony being held at Darlington Town Hall tonight.

She will take over the role from Councillor Isobel Hartley, who has raised £24,580 for more than 100 good causes during her year in office.

For the first time in seven years, Coun Jones will have a lamp erected outside her home to mark her status as mayor.

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

The last time a lamp was erected was in 1995, when Councillor Frank Robson was mayor. 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 installed.

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 next month.

During her career, Coun Jones has worked as a clerical assistant, medical receptionist and nursing assistant.

In 1986, she set up her own business selling and installing electronic security equipment and worked there until 1999.

She was elected to Darlington Borough Council in 1983, and since 1987 she has represented the Middleton-St-George ward.

She also helped to form the the Middleton-St-George Community Partnership. As well as extensive community work, Coun Jones enjoys reading, walking, cooking and sewing.