A FORMER rugby union international has been elected as the new mayor of Durham.

Eddie Bell, a county councillor from Seaham, was installed in a ceremony full of pomp and tradition at Durham Town Hall today (Wednesday, June 1).

He said he was honoured and privileged to be chosen and would continue to foster his office’s "longstanding links with the city’s charities businesses and voluntary organisations, but most importantly the people of Durham and Durham and surrounding villages".

He will combine the role with being chairman of Durham County Council, having been elected to that post last week.

On accepting the office, Cllr Bell said: ”It is an honour for me to have been elected to this prestigious office, the mayor of this fabulous city, and I will not let you down.

“My children were educated in Cheveley Park Belmont, Belmont and Pittington Primary Schools, as well as Framwellgate Sixth Form.

“Indeed it was here in Durham City where I was introduced to playing rugby and after a few years rose from 5th team to playing and captaining Durham County first XV, then to playing for England.”

Cllr Bell’s consort will be his wife Jennifer who is an Alma Mata of St Hild and St Bede College and represents the Deneside ward with him.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-eight, who served in the police for 30 years, succeeds Cllr Jan Blakey as mayor.

Cllr Bill Moir was elected Deputy Mayor, for the second year running.

At the same ceremony, Tom Walker was sworn in as a member of the Mayor’s Bodyguard, while Ron Clarkson and Chris Fenwick were presented long service awards for serving in the bodyguard for ten years.