THE new mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Council is dedicating fundraising which will take place during her civic year to those who cared for her granddaughter when she was seriously ill.

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

At the event, Coun Coney announced her charity choice 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 council's deputy mayor will be Coun Madge Moses, the Liberal Democrat who represents neighbouring St Germain's ward in Marske.