A couple who ran a well-known butchers shop near Carlisle for 24 years are the new Mayor of Carlisle and consort.

Long-serving Conservative councillor Marilyn Bowman takes up the role, with husband Syd at her side.

She was sworn in at the annual Mayor-making ceremony this week, taking over from Labour’s Jessica Riddle.

The honour comes as Mrs Bowman celebrates 20 years on Carlisle City Council, having just been re-elected in the new Wetheral and Corby ward.

She was nominated for the role by fellow Conservative councillor Mike Mitchelson.

He said: “In the 20 years she has been a councillor she has served on a wide range of committees, as well as portfolio holder for economy for nine years.

“She worked tirelessly in promoting Carlisle, seeking investment opportunities to grow the economy and encouraging tourists to visit - tasks which she carried out very successfully and I feel will stand her in good stead in her role as Mayor of Carlisle. Marilyn is a friend, a colleague and a well-respected councillor and will serve this city well.”

He also gave a brief history of her early life and career during the ceremony.

Mrs Bowman was born in Cumbria, spending her childhood on the outskirts of Shap and educated in Shap and Penrith.

Her first employment was in the offices of J and J Graham, a well-known family grocers, followed by a spell at Lloyds Agricultural, before training as a telephonist at the General Post Office.

Mr Mitchelson added: “Her mother was a proud Carlisle girl born at Willow Holme and while living on the fellside thought Marilyn would never meet anyone of substance at local village country dances -something which she proved wrong as 51 years later she is still married to Syd, having met at a village hall dance.”

The couple lived in Penrith for 10 years, having two children - Simon, now 50, and Rachel, 47 - before moving to Corby Hill.

It was here that they bought the local butchers shop, which they ran successfully for 24 years and became part of the community.

In 2001, with the foot and mouth outbreak affecting their business, they decided it was time to retire.

Mrs Bowman first became involved in local politics a few years earlier, when she was elected to represent the Stanwix Rural ward. She has continued to serve this area for two decades, and was presented with a 20-year service award at the meeting.

David Morton, councillor for Belah and Kingmoor, also received recognition for his 20 years on the city council.

Labour’s Pamela Birks was elected as deputy mayor, with husband Paul as consort.

The ceremony, in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, also saw councillors give thanks to outgoing mayor Mrs Riddle and her consort, daughter Fiona.

Mrs Riddle looked back on some of highlights of the last 12 months, from Remembrance services to community events. She said: “We have had an unforgettable year. I’m proud to live in such a multicultural city.”

Mrs Bowman has chosen three official charities to support during her term as mayor - Carlisle’s Jigsaw children’s hospice, Guide Dogs and Cash For Kids.