But the man who has been handed Peterlee's decorative chains says he is determined to use the privilege to help others.

MARK THOMPSON reports.



"IT is a privilege and an honour to represent this town", said new Peterlee Mayor Chris Metcalfe, who has devoted a large part of his life to his community.

The 59-year-old has been a member of Peterlee Town Council for 18 years and spent the last year as the deputy mayor.

Now, after taking over the ceremonial role as Councillor Trevor Jones steps down, he has set his sights on using his position to raise money for local causes.

He says he wants to use his position to raise thousands of pounds for charity like his predecessors and be a good ambassador for the town he loves.

Coun Metcalfe, who lives in Adrian Place, Dene House, has lived in Peterlee for 54 years and says he is committed to making the town a better place to live.

Coun Metcalfe, who represents the Howletch ward of the town, said: "I have lived in Peterlee for 54 years and I have been a member of Peterlee Town Council for 18 years so it's a privilege and an honour to have been elected as Peterlee Mayor for the coming year."

He added that he hopes to raise money for several Peterlee charities and organisations "so the money goes back to town causes".

But after his first week in office he is still unsure what the year holds for him.

"I have lived in Peterlee for most of my life and I decided I needed to go for mayor.

"But I'm not sure what to expect as yet. I've only been here a few days so I'm still getting sorted and it's hard to say what the year will hold.

"I'm still very new to the position and don't want to get carried away but I'm looking forward to it."

The former school governor at the Dene House primary and secondary schools was born at Seaham Harbour, but moved to Peterlee when he was very young.

He worked for District of Easington council's maintenance department for more than 30 years before it was taken over by East Durham Homes. He was made redundant last year.

He is married to Jean, the new mayoress, and they have four children and three grandchildren between them.

The new role will see the couple attend dozens of meetings, presentations, functions and parties in the next 12 months on top of Coun Metcalfe carrying out his council duties.

And despite the heavy schedule, they both say they are looking forward to the year ahead and being "good representatives for Peterlee".

They hope their efforts can emulate those of outgoing mayor, Coun Jones, who raised £13,700 for charities during his year of office.

He presented the cash last week to his chosen worthy causes, with £5,000 each going to Macmillan Cancer Support and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Other worthy causes to benefit included the Society for the Blind and Partially Sighted, the Peterlee Management Committee for the Girl Guides and Peterlee Town Council's Nordenham twinning committee.

The new mayor is yet to pick his charities but he is hoping to be able to hand out similar gifts this time next year.