Richmond councillor Jane Metcalfe has been elected the new chairman of the district authority.

She takes over the role from Scorton's Councillor Michael Heseltine, who steps down after a year in office.

Coun Metcalfe has promised her priority will be to ensure Richmondshire District Council continues to lobby Westminster for a fairer deal for rural communities, coordinating its efforts with others who represent the countryside.

But among her first objectives will be a recovery programme for those devastated by the foot-and-mouth crisis, which has hit both farmers and businesses linked to the tourist trade.

Swaleside ward member, Councillor Jim Fryer, of Brompton-on-Swale, was elected as the authority's vice-chairman.

Both appointments will be celebrated at a civic service at St Joseph and St Francis Xavier Church, in Richmond, on Sunday, June 24.

Coun Metcalfe will also host an annual reception the Officers' Mess at Vimy Barracks, in Catterick Garrison, on Friday, October 12.

Her chosen charities for the year are branches of St John Ambulance - currently raising cash for a new ambulance - and Mental Health Support.