THE mayor of Loftus has handed his civic chains over and picked up the borough chains.

Councillor Eric Jackson has been mayor of the east Cleveland town for the past year and has now handed over the chains to Councillor Christine Swales.

But his year, as the head of Loftus Town Council has proved great experience for his next civic role as Deputy Mayor for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Coun Jackson said: "I have had a lovely year and there have been quite a few exciting things happening such as the opening of Loftus Bank, and the reopening of Loftus Town Hall after its refurbishment."

He said he has had an accomplice in his mayoral missions - in the form of Loftus's 14-year-old Miss Millennium, Natalie Johnson.

He said: "Natalie has done a very good job during my year in office, and I would like to thank her on behalf of the town council for that."

Coun Jackson said he was looking forward to the new challenge the borough council job would present.

The deputy mayor for Loftus will be Councillor Roger Lings.