A Workington woman who has spent decades serving the community has become Allerdale's new mayor.

Councillor Mary Bainbridge, who represents St Michael's ward, was elected by Allerdale council on Wednesday.

A councillor for six years, she is also centre co-ordinator at West Cumbria Trades Hall Centre, where she started as a volunteer 28 years ago and offers support and advice to people wanting to improve their employability and help with other needs.

Nominating her, council leader Alan Smith said: "Mary's a kind, compassionate and fair individual who spends a lot of her time looking out for others.

"Through her vital work at the Trades Hall Centre she makes a lot of time for vulnerable people and provides a lot of confidential advice.

"She's a great leader. I believe Mary would make a great Mayor of Allerdale."

Coun Bainbridge, 61, was elected after a counter proposal from the Conservative group, to elect Coun Ron Munby, was lost. Her husband Dave will be her consort.

Taking office, she said: "I'm very honoured and privileged to be here tonight as the new Mayor of Allerdale.

"It feels like an extension of my work as centre co-ordinator for the Trades Hall Centre.

"I hope my year of office will be successful."

Coun Bainbridge will support Allerdale Disability Association, an organisation she has worked alongside for many years, as her charity for the year.

Her election marked the conclusion of Seaton councillor Celia Tibble's year of office, which culminated in attending a Buckingham Palace garden party with her husband and fellow councillor Phil on Tuesday.

Coun Tibble said: "It was an amazing experience for a West Cumbrian lass. I can now say I've had cucumber sandwiches with the Queen."

Commenting on her year, she said: "It's an experience I'll never forget and it allowed me to see the amazing work done by by organisations in the borough and the talent we possess."

During her year of office, Coun Tibble raised £2,536.82 each for Mind in West Cumbria and ADHD and Autism in West Cumbria.

Wigton councillor John Crouch was elected as deputy mayor.