COUNCILLORS have paid tribute to the efforts of outgoing mayor and mayoress, Councillor David and Mrs Betty Craig, at the last full meeting of St Helens Council before this year's mayor-making ceremony.

This year, the civic couple have carried out more than 500 engagements and the Mayor's Appeal currently stands at £15,000 with more monies expected.

Visitors from all over the world have been to events hosted in the Mayor's Parlour which has seen guests from as far away as Japan, America, Canada and Russia, as well as from neighbouring European countries.

The popular pair have also visited schools in every area of the borough and have rubbed shoulders with royalty at a Buckingham Palace garden party and at events closer to home, including the opening of the new St Mary's Market by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester.

Council 'elder statesman' Jim Caunce led the tributes saying: "They have done a first-class job with 100 per cent commitment and have carried out their duties with dignity." Tributes were also made by Councillor Betty Lowe for the Conservatives and Councillor Suzanne Knight on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.

The mayor thanked everyone for their help during his enjoyable term of office in a year he would never forget.

During the meeting, Councillor Pat Jackson was voted in as the new mayor with Councillor Pat Robinson as deputy.

Members recorded their regret that current deputy mayor, Councillor Bessie Griffin was unable to take up the position of mayor this year due to family health problems.

In a statement, Councillor Griffin said that she was "very disappointed" but that circumstances had made it extremely difficult to give the honourable position the commitment it deserved."

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