A NEW mayor has been elected in Northallerton.

John Prest was handed his chain of office by outgoing mayor David Blades.

Coun Blades and his wife, Shirley, have been mayor and mayoress of the town since 2005.

Coun Prest has lived in Northallerton all his life and his family history in the town goes back to the 1600s.

He said it was an honour and a privilege to be elected as the Northallerton mayor.

"It is 50 years ago that my grandfather was made chairman of the urban district council so to be made mayor is really good."

"It is nice that the other members have got the confidence in me to be the figurehead of the council and to project the image of the town council that they would like.

"I hope people can approach me if they have got a problem and I will try and resolve it."