A CEREMONY to welcome a town’s new mayor has been held in front of councillors, residents and special guests.

Richmond Town Council’s 345th annual Mayor Making ceremony took place in the town hall on Monday, May 20, and saw Coun Bob White sworn in as Richmond’s first citizen.

Town councillor Oliver Blease proposed Coun White for the position and was seconded by Coun Linda Curran.

Coun Blease said: “I have known Coun White since he adopted Richmond as his home 27 years ago.

“He has served on all the main committees of the town council over the last four years, particularly the planning committee which he has had a great interest.

“I hope you will welcome Coun White as our new mayor – I’m sure he will turn out to be the most wonderful mayor.”

Coun White said: “With no Olympics or Diamond Jubilees it should be a quiet year for the town. However, I’m hoping the council, working with other organisations, to bring some home-grown events – because often you can turn a small event into a major attraction.”

Coun White’s chosen charities for his year in office are Garget Walker house, supporting people with dementia; Yorkshire Air Ambulance; and the Black Rats charity, supporting soldiers from the 4th Mechanised Brigade, or Black Rats.

Last year’s mayor Stuart Parsons added: “The last year has been spent meeting members of the community giving their time and money to charity. They do it because they believe they can make a difference.

“Richmond is a special place and it is special because of the generosity of the people and the community.”