A NORTH-EAST mayor officially became a British citizen yesterday.
Trinidad-born Mayor of Darlington Councillor Roderick Francis took part in a citizenship ceremony at the Town Hall.
The civic leader, who became the town's first black mayor when he took over from Ron Lewis in May, has represented the town's Eastbourne South ward for 17 years.
He came to England in 1955 and settled in Darlington the following year with his late wife, Marjorie.
He has worked for British Rail, the Paton and Baldwin factory, Durham County Council, Torrington Engineering and Heathfield Primary School.
Coun Francis said last night: "When I became mayor, I was going through my papers and realised my passport ran out in 1965, so I decided to get it done.
"It went very well. I wanted to do it in memory of my wife - we were together 45 years."
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