THE new Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Council wants to raise funds for the unit that cared for her granddaughter when she was ill.

Four-year-old Emily Cooney was at James Finegan Hall, Eston recently to see her grandmother, Coun Norah Cooney, installed as the borough's first citizen at a special ceremony.

At the event, Coun Cooney announced her chosen charity would be the South Cleveland Hospital's paediatric fund.

The memories of the care given to Emily, critically ill with meningitis two-years-ago, are still vivid for Coun Cooney and her family.

She said: "It was a very intensive three weeks, very emotional. She was very, very ill and but for their care, Emily certainly would not be here today. They were just wonderful."

Coun Cooney is Conservative councillor for the Longbeck ward, which covers Marske and New Marske, the village where she was born.

The deputy mayor will be Liberal Democrat Madge Moses, who represents neighbouring St Germain's ward in Marske.