DARLINGTON's new mayor believes an elected mayor would be "terrible" for the town.

Councillor Marian Swift, who could be the town's last ceremonial mayor, said Darlington's mayoral system was the "envy of the region".

She took on the role earlier this month because she was the longest-serving councillor who had not held the post.

Coun Swift said: "This system is beneficial to the public, as often these long-standing councillors relate better to the local community."

Coun Swift said the political independence of the mayor was an advantage of the system.

Coun Swift said she is enjoying being mayor, but added: "I think you are a bit shell-shocked.

"You don't realise the impact on your day-to-day life.

"I went shopping on Monday morning and suddenly everyone you meet knows you.

"It took me ages to get round the town, but I think that's a positive side of it. You belong to them now after all."

Coun Swift does not think the people of Darlington will vote to elect their mayor.

Although recent local campaigns indicate a politically active town, Coun Swift said: "There are a lot of single-issue groups out there who will probably disappear into the woodwork when those issues have been resolved."

Her duties so far have involved building contacts for her mayoralty.

Future events include tonight's Red Hall Partnership Dance at Darlington Arts Centre and the mayor's annual golf day tomorrow at Stressholme Golf Centre.

Coun Swift previously worked as a nurse and maintains her nursing registration by working a few hours a week at a Darlington nursing home. She moved to the borough in 1983 from her home town of Faversham, in Kent, where she had met her husband, Barry, a fellow nurse, from Middlesbrough.

After Mr Swift's death, her redundancy and her youngest child leaving for university, Coun Swift was encouraged to stand for the council by current deputy council leader Bill Dixon.

She stood for the Pierremont ward in May 1995 and has remained there since.