NORTHWICH’S new town mayor has chosen to support charities close to her heart.

Cllr Janet Myerscough-Illidge is to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice and Northwich Stroke Club during her year as the town’s civic head.

She was welcomed as the mayor for 2017-2018 at the annual meeting of Northwich Town Council on Monday.

Family, friends and councillors gathered at the council chambers at Witton Cemetery for the mayor-making ceremony.

During her speech Cllr Myerscough-Illidge thanked her fellow councillors for electing her as the new town mayor.

She said: “I am very proud and honoured to be elected as Mayor of Northwich.

“I will endeavour to carry on the good work of the previous mayors in making the new generation of Northwich into a fine, flourishing town that people will want to visit, live, shop and work in.

“I chose the charities because, like many people, friends and family have suffered from illness, which has meant they have had help from both of these fantastic charities.

“They are close to my heart, and I would like to raise more awareness by giving my support to them over the coming year.”

Cllr Myerscough-Illidge lives in Winnington, and is a retired primary school teacher and special needs teacher.

She has been a councillor for nine years, and this is her first time as mayor.

Her father, Doug Myerscough, 96, was a councillor and mayor in 1983, and a former head of Rudheath High School.

Cllr Myerscough-Illidge’s interests are amateur dramatics, walking in Wales, gardening and allotments.

Cllr Myerscough-Illdge’s escort for the forthcoming year is Mrs Elva Parkes, a close friends for more than 60 years.