COUNCILS in towns across the district have been meeting to decide who will represent them as this year’s mayor or chairman of the council.

It has been all change in Hexham, with former deputy mayor Coun. Bob Hull taking on the position of mayor from Coun. Tom Gillanders. Coun. Stephen Ball will act as deputy mayor and vice-chairman of the council, for the next two years.

Coun. Hull has announced a new initiative to create a charity fund to benefit a chosen charity in Hexham for the coming year.

During his acceptance declaration at the recent Hexham Town Council meeting he said: “Let’s harness the community spirit of the town. Let’s change the narrative and talk up Hexham’s prospects and opportunities.”

Meanwhile in Prudhoe, Coun. Tracy Gilmore was re-elected unopposed as chairwoman of the council and mayor of Prudhoe for the coming year, entering her second year in the role. Coun. Chris Cuthbert was elected vice-chairman of the council, replacing her predecessor Coun. Gerry Price.

Coun. Alan Varley remained mayor of Ponteland Town Council while Coun. Christine Greenwell retained the vice-chairwoman role. Haltwhistle does not have a mayoral position, but Coun. Alan Sharp and Coun. Michael Ridley were re-elected as chairman and vice-chairman of Haltwhistle Town Council.