Coun Eric Jackson, the mayor of Loftus, has handed his civic chains over to Coun Christine Swales.

Coun Jackson's year as head of the Loftus Town Council has been great experience for his next civic role - as Deputy Mayor for the Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Coun Jackson said: "I have had a lovely year in which quite a few exciting things have happened, such as the opening of Loftus Bank and the re-opening of Loftus Town Hall after its refurbishment." He added that he was looking forward to the challenges of his new position.

Loftus' new deputy mayor will be Coun Roger Lings