DARLINGTON’s outgoing mayor has thanked those who made his year in office a special one as he prepares to hand over the mayoral chains.

Councillor Paul Baldwin, who represents the Cockerton East ward, said he had enjoyed a year of elating highs and humbling lows as mayor.

Coun Baldwin has visited dozens of charities, schools and other events around the town, meeting hundreds of people.

Among the highlights were the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic torch relay, which saw thousands of people take to the streets.

Coun Baldwin has been a Labour councillor with Darlington Borough Council since 1995 and also works as a physics teacher at Sedgefield College.

He thanked his colleagues, particularly those in the science department, for helping him to manage his sometimes taxing schedule as mayor.

He said: “It has been a fantastic year, absolutely fantastic. To have been present at some of the events that have been on is just amazing.

“Darlington has so many fantastic voluntary groups that are quietly working away in the background and it has been a privilege to meet some of them.

“Things like the jubilee and the Olympic torch were amazing but at every event I have to been to it is the people of Darlington that make things happen and make it a good day.”

Coun Baldwin thanked his wife, Kim, who acted as mayoral consort, for her support during the year.

He added: “A lot of what I’ve achieved this year, and in the 40 years we’ve been together, is down to her – I couldn’t have done it without her. She’s always very supportive and this year she has been wonderful.”

Coun Baldwin will hand over to his successor Councillor Charles Johnson, Conservative member for Hummersknott ward, at the annual council meeting tonight (Thurs).

Asked if he had any advice for Coun Johnson, Coun Baldwin said: “He needs to pace himself and get plenty of early nights.”

He added: “He needs to prepare himself to be overwhelmed by the people of Darlington and their hospitality towards the mayor.”