A NEW mayor has taken up his post in Stockton.

Councillor Paul Baker, above, who represents the Newtown area of the town, has taken over from Councillor Colin Leckonby.

The mayor was voted in at Stockton Borough Council's annual general meeting at the Baptist Tabernacle, in Stockton, yesterday.

Councillor Lynne Apedaile, of Billingham Independents Association, will be the deputy mayor for the forthcoming year.

Speaking at the meeting, Coun Baker said: "I will carry out my duties fully and to the best of my ability."

The Labour Party member will raise money for Butterwick Hospice and Care for Casualties.

Coun Leckonby said he had raised more than £18,000 for charity during his year of office and this would be divided between a number of good causes.

Councillor Bob Cook took up his post as the new leader of the council, which will be run as a coalition between Labour and Ingleby Barwick Independent Society.