A COUNCILLOR with 24 years' service to North Yorkshire County Council has been chosen as the authority's chairman.

Councillor John Dennis, who lives near Northallerton and represents the division of Appleton Wiske, has succeeded Councillor Clifford Wilson.

Coun Dennis said: "I believe passionately in the county and the work of the council, and I am convinced that we will continue to deliver first class services, both economically and efficiently.

"During my year in office I'm determined to promote the excellent work that the county council continues to do through education, the care of vulnerable and frail people and the transport network."

Coun Dennis first entered local politics as a member of the former Northallerton District Council and was leader of Hambleton District Council from 1984.

A member of the county council since 1980, he was chairman of the education committee for a number of years and spent two years as executive member for business and community services.

Married to Mary, with two daughters and six grandchildren, he has spent his whole life in North Yorkshire and was a farmer before entering politics.

Meanwhile, several North Yorkshire towns have appointed new mayors.

Coun Rob Broadley, a member of North Yorkshire County Council and Scarborough Borough Council, has become the new Mayor of Whitby, while Coun Nigel Richardson, a taxi driver, has been appointed to the top civic office at Kirkbymoorside.

Coun John Stone is the new Mayor of Norton, and Coun Tom Bateman was elected Mayor of Pickering.