AN East Cleveland councillor has become the first woman to chair the Cleveland Fire Authority.

Coun Brenda Forster, who represents Kirkleatham, succeeds Coun Ray Waller as the new chairman.

She was elected to the Fire Authority last year, and is now in her twentieth year of local government.

Coun Forster, who has five children and 12 grandchildren, said: "I am thrilled to be the first woman chairperson. My family thinks it's great, and I'll certainly try to take some of my grandchildren to see the fire engines.

"I'm looking forward to what I'm sure will be an exciting 12 months, and aim to visit as many stations and meet as many fire officers as possible."

Coun Forster will perform the role for a year as part of a rota system involving Teesside's four unitary councils.

Chief Fire Officer John Doyle said: "Coun Forster is one of a small number of women chairpersons in the British Fire Service. Her appointment can only be a positive development in the management of a modernised fire service.

"I am confident that Brenda will find the experience both challenging and rewarding and I look forward to working closely with her."