A LIFElong interest in serving his community has culminated in Tom Foster becoming the new Mayor of a North-East city.
A member of Sunderland City Council for the past nine years, Councillor Foster was presented with his chains of office by the retiring mayor, Councillor Bill Stephenson.
At his inauguration, Coun Foster said: "I am looking forward to meeting a lot of people during my term in office and representing the city I grew up in on the big political stage - and having the opportunity to talk to some very influential people and let them know just what Sunderland and its people have to offer.''
Serving alongside him as Mayoress will be his wife of 35 years, Brenda.
The new Deputy Mayor and Mayoress for the year will be Councillor Les Scott and his wife, Ann.
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