New Mayor of Stafford takes centre stage

Retired newsagent Peter Jones has just added another title to his considerable CV, that of Mayor of Stafford.

The Eccleshall councillor was installed as the town's first citizen on Saturday amid suitable pomp and ceremony at Stafford's Gatehouse Theatre, where he was handed the civic chain of office from outgoing mayor Ray Sutherland. This was followed by a service at St Mary's Church.

Afterwards scores of shoppers took time out to enjoy the spectacle of the mayoral procession as it made its way through the town centre to a reception at County Buildings.

He said: "It was a wonderful day and I'm so happy that the sun shone for us, particularly for all the guides and scouts who took part."

The Baggies fan, who hails from West Bromwich, claims he has plenty of time on his hands now that he has had to stand down from committees and Conservative group meetings because, as mayor, he must be non-political.

He said: "I've suddenly got huge gaps in my diary so I'm urging people to get in touch if they want their club or business promoted. I want to be useful during my year in office and help promote the borough in any way I can.

"I've enjoyed my first three days, which have been busy, and I cut my first ribbon when I opened a block of flats at William Horton Court.

"It's been a wonderful start."

In his address on Saturday, Councillor Jones announced the three charities he will support during his civic year, namely Staffordshire Women's Aid, South Staffordshire Young Carers and a campaign, together with West Midlands Ambulance Service, to install more defibrillators in the borough's public places.

Among his audience was the newly-appointed Mayor of Stone Mike Williamson and other local dignitaries, borough councillors and invited guests. Councillor Lynne Bakker-Collier, who represents Stone's St Michael's and Stonefield ward, was elected Deputy Mayor. Councillor Jones and wife Joy moved to Eccleshall more than 20 years ago.