A mayor has named the first of several mayoresses during his new civic year.

Councillor David Parnaby, a bachelor, decided to opt for several official escorts during his term of office in Ripon, North York- shire, so he can choose whoever suits the occasion.

Already on his mayoress list is Anita Gray, a former neighbour of the mayor, of Markington, near Ripon.

Mrs Gray, her husband and two sons, have moved to Sessay, near Thirsk. She is full-time regional organiser for the British Dressage organisation. The mayor is a keen horseman and rides with the West of Yore Hunt.

Also named as a mayoress is Sheila Simpson, widow of the late Councillor Rowland Simpson, of Ripon, who was twice mayor of the city when Mrs Simpson was mayoress.

Coun Parnaby said: "Sheila has experience of having done the job before and attends a lot of civic functions as of right."

Also part of the initial trio of mayoresses is housewife Ruth Askham, who lives in Ripon. The mayor has known Mrs Askham and Mrs Simpson since their schooldays.

Coun Parnaby drew upon the idea of having a number of mayoresses after its success in Leeds where the former Lord Mayor, Councillor Bernard Atha, used the system.

Coun Parnaby said it meant there would be a mayoress for every form of engagement he would be attending.