A COUNCIL has appointed its first LBGT+ ambassador in a move to be more inclusive.

Darlington Council has appointed Councillor Darrien Wright, an independent for Bank Top and Lascelles, as its first LGBT+ ambassador, who will work in the community and towards a more inclusive council.

Councillor Heather Scott OBE, Darlington’s first female leader of the council, said: “When I was first elected, I said this is the kind of council I wanted to lead. Any authority that does not take inclusivity on board going backwards, but we’re a forward council. We want success for everyone in our town.”

Cllr Wright, who was elected in March, is already running a project in secondary schools to create a safe space for LGBT+ youth.

He said: “I am the first LGBT+ ambassador the council have appointed, and it’s something I am passionate about. It’s about making the town a better place for everyone. Darlington is fantastic town and we can bring everyone together.

“Teachers have filled the roles for LGBT+ support, and they have chosen to be there because they think it is important.

“Since Darlington ARQ closed, people think there isn’t anything there for them but there is, this project has been running in schools since September.”

Cllr Wright, who owns Dance Wright Studio and won television’s Strictly Dance Fever competition back in 2006, praised the council’s expansion of Pride, which will now be over a weekend instead of one evening and will cater to all ages.