A NEW mayor has been sworn in at a ceremony in Cockermouth Town Hall.

This will be the second time that Coun Alan Smith, one of the longest serving councillors, has taken on the role. The mayoress will be his wife, fellow councillor Christine.

Coun Julie Laidlow stood down after two years in the role. Her term was extended by a year as a result of the pandemic.

"I want to say a huge thank you to all my fellow councillors for all their support and town clerk Sheila Brown, Kirstie Goodger and Amy Pattinson for all their hard work which ensured everything ran smoothly.

"No one could have foreseen what was going to happen at the beginning of 2020," said Coun Laidlow, who was delighted to be back in the town hall after more than a year of online meetings.

"Never before could we listen to Councillor Smith and watch Emmerdale at the same time, " she joked!

There have been many memorable moments as mayor, she said. "I have enjoyed every single one and am very proud to have represented my town and raised funds for the Europe Prize Scholarship Fund. Special thanks must go to Cockermouth Golf Club and those that have helped me raise money."

Coun Smith said: "I would like to thank Julie on behalf of the council and the people of Cockermouth for all her hard work. She has done a sterling job."

He thanked councillors for nominating him as mayor. They chose Councillor Andy Semple as his deputy.

"I will help promote the town going forward as we come out of lockdown," said Coun Smith. His chosen charities, which he will raise funds for throughout his term in office, are: North Cumbria Foodbank, the King's Church Hub and Highfield Food Pantry.

"Sadly these organisations are all needed. Hopefully one day they will not be," he said.