THE new Mayor of Barnsley David Leech said it will be a ‘privilege’ to represent the town during his year at the helm.

Coun Leech, who has represented the St Helen’s ward since 2011, became the mayor on Friday with his wife Alison becoming the mayoress.

For the last year, he has also acted as Barnsley’s deputy mayor, putting him in great stead for the year ahead./

He said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to be appointed the 155th Mayor of Barnsley and to be given the opportunity to represent our wonderful borough.

“I’ve had the pleasure of being deputy for the last year, so I’ve already had some invaluable experience and insight from our retiring mayor, Coun John Clarke.

“For the past 13 years and counting, I’ve had the privilege of serving the St Helen’s ward as a local councillor where I’ve devoted my time to representing the local community.

“To now have the opportunity to represent and showcase our entire borough is such an honour.

“I’ve never felt prouder than I am today to be from Barnsley and call it my home.

“We’ve seen tremendous progress made over the last five years in achieving our ambitions for the borough and our Barnsley 2030 vision - to make Barnsley the place of possibilities and I am so excited to represent the borough during the next stage of our journey.”

Coun Leech has chosen two charities to raise money for this year - Help 4 Homeless Veterans and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS), Barnsley.

He added: “One of the greatest honours is to have the opportunity to work with and support two local charities, both of which are very close to my heart, meaning all money raised will be kept in our borough for local people.

“I pledge to raise as much money as I can for them during my term and hope the borough will join me in my fundraising efforts.”