Councillor Ian Coleman has been elected as the Mayor of Blackpool for the year 2017/18.



Cllr Coleman was elected at a meeting of annual council on Monday 15 May.

He will now serve as the first citizen of the town for the year ahead, replacing outgoing Mayor Cllr Kath Rowson.

He said: "Being Mayor is a honour I have long cherished yet never believed it was an obtainable dream.

"Today (Monday) was thirty years to the day since I first became councillor and to follow the wonderful people who have sat as the Mayor of Blackpool before makes me feel humble and gives me great pride.

"This is a town of generous people who care about others and get behind those who need support. This town ahs a great heart and brings laughter and joy to thousands of people each and every year."

In accepting the mayoralty, Cllr Coleman chose both Blackpool Carers' Centre and the Royal British Legion as his chosen charities for the year ahead.

90% of the money raised during the year will be donated to the Blackpool Carers Centre at Beaverbrooks House, in order to help them develop more respite care, with the remaining 10% being donated to the Royal British Legion charity, of which Cllr Coleman is the President.

He added: "How a young person copes with being a carer is beyond my imagination. A new respite lodge will give overnight accomodation and there will also be respite for dementia carers. Groups from across the country will be charged to use the respite care in order to help it have a sustainable future. This can help young people who are stretching themselves to the limit to care for others."

A moment of remembrance for former councillor Tony Brown was held during the meeting. Cllr Brown was due to be Mayor for the year ahead, until his sad passing away in October.

Cllr Coleman will be supported by his wife Mavis in the Mayoress role, along with his son, Cllr Gary Coleman, as Deputy Mayor.