TWO schoolgirls have enjoyed a day as the mayor and mayoress of Darlington.

Gemma Waters and Amy Smart, both ten, from St John's CofE Primary School, won a competition to take on the roles for the day.

They spent the day shadowing outgoing mayor, Councillor Stella Robson, and her escort, Councillor Frank Robson, who will end their mayoral year today.

To win the competition, Gemma and Amy had to write a short essay saying what they would like the Youth Member of Parliament to do to help young people in Darlington.

The judges were impressed by the girls' efforts and Gemma was named as junior mayor with Amy as her mayoress.

The girls carried out a day of official visits, including visiting the Civic Theatre, the fire station, Durham Tees Valley Airport and Alpha Radio as well as enjoying lunch at Walworth Castle Hotel.

They toured the council suite and were given badges of office in the mayor's parlour.

As she prepared to step down as mayor, Coun Robson said she had thoroughly enjoyed her year in office.

She revealed that she had considered not taking up the post because she is registered blind.

"I have managed with the help of my husband and on the whole, I think I have done a good job," she said.

"Some of the little things I have done have been the most rewarding.

"We have visited so many schools I have lost count and in one seven-day period we did 24 engagements."

Coun Robson said there had been many highlights, including the recent opening of South Park.

She also cited the Holocaust memorial day, judging the Best of Darlington awards and the many activities carried out across the town which have raised money for charity.