A WOMAN mayor has been made an honorary sailor.

Councillor Vilma Collins was officially invested as an honorary life member of the Dormanstown and Redcar branch of the Merchant Navy Association, yesterday.

The widow of former seafarer Terry - himself a past mayor - she was also presented with a certificate of appreciation for her "invaluable assistance" to the association.

"I am quite overwhelmed, really, and very honoured," said Coun Collins. "I have always tried to give them as much support as I possibly can, but they've supported me on many occasions over the past years."

The mayor was also presented with a branch plaque and a donation to the Mayor's Charity Fund.

Branch president Captain Ken Parker said: "We wanted to mark Coun Collins' year as mayor with something special.

"She's always been an invaluable help to the branch."