SALTBURN, Marske and New Marske Parish Council has elected Vera Rider as chairwoman.

The retired BT employee has lived in New Marske for 22 years and has been a parish councillor for the past three years.

A founding member of New Marske in Bloom, she has worked hard to raise funds to provide flower beds and barrels for the village. She was also successful in raising funds to provide new windows in St Thomas Church Hall and with the help of the parish council, sought funding to re-site the Christmas tree outside the church.

Her husband John, also a parish councillor, will be her official escort during her year as chairman.

The vice-chairwoman is Councillor Marion Jefferson