THE new Mayor of Great Aycliffe is hoping to use his year in office to benefit children with diabetes.

Councillor Malcolm Iveson was presented with the mayoral chains at the council's annual meeting.

Coun Iveson, who was also installed as deputy leader of the council, has chosen to raise money for the children's unit at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

The money will be used to buy insulin pumps for the children's hospital.

The new technology is used instead of injections, giving users more freedom and improved health.

Councillor Maude Gray, deputy mayor, joined Coun Iveson in saying they would do everything they could to uphold the good name of the council.