THE first woman to follow in her father's footsteps and become Mayor of Durham has taken office.

Labour councillor Eileen Rochford has been inducted as the city's civic figurehead for the next 12 months.

Her father, the late Michael Rochford, was mayor in 1992-93 and it is believed Miss Rochford is the first daughter of a mayor to also hold the post since it was created 400 years ago.

Miss Rochford said she took 'great pride' in the distinction.

During her year in office she will be raising money for children with life-threatening illnesses. Proceeds from charity events will go to the Butterwick Children's Hospice in Stockton and Round Table Children's Wish.

Miss Rochford, from Esh Winning, was deputy mayor, during George Cowper's year in office. She is councillor for the Deerness ward and is a child care inspector for Ofsted and financial director of the family garage business.

Her consort will be her partner Barry Grimes. Deputy mayor for the year is Joe Knight, Labour councillor for the Carrville ward in Durham. The retired teacher will be assisted in his duties by his wife Joyce.

Outgoing mayor George Cowper, Labour councillor for Ushaw Moor, hopes his Helping Hands appeal will have raised more than £20,000 for the Durham Centre for People With Learning Disabilities and the Durham and Chester-le-Street branch of the Alzheimer's Society.