Maxine Robinson has been elected as the mayor of Sedgefield Town.

Councillor Robinson, who also held the post in 2000, said she was delighted to once again act as first citizen, and was looking forward to serving the people.

Married to county councillor John Robinson, they have two children - Sharon, at Teesside University studying social work and mental health nursing, and Stephen, who is about to complete his catering and hospitality studies at Darlington and is hoping to go to Northumbria University.

Coun Robinson said she enjoys being involved in trying to provide more activities for young people and opportunities for older people.

Her charity appeal will support the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland, which has an outreach day hospice at Sedgefield Community Hospital.

She is also supporting the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity.

Coun Robinson joined Sedgefield Town Council nine years ago.

Coun Dudley Waters was elected deputy mayor.