A LONG-SERVING councillor has been formally inaugurated into one of the region’s oldest political offices.

Cllr Neil Weatherley, who represents Birtley, has been elected Mayor of Gateshead, an office which dates back to 1835.

During his year in office, Cllr Weatherley will raise money for a number of charities, including the Royal British Legion, The Alzheimer’s Society, STEPS and 4Cs.

The newly-elected mayor said “Having lived in Birtley for most of my adult life, I feel tremendously honoured to be the Mayor of Gateshead.

“Representing Gateshead’s residents is a tremendous privilege and my wife and I are looking forward to being ambassadors for Gateshead and hope to have the opportunity to provide a showcase for our town throughout the region.”