A KENDAL councillor has been chosen as the chairman of Cumbria County Council.

Coun Geoff Cook, Liberal Democrat member for Kendal Highgate, was appointed at today’s Annual General Meeting of the council.

He was the vice chairman for 2013/14 and will now step up to be the main civic representative of the county council.

Born in 1954, coun Cook worked for many years as a manager with the National Bus Company and since 1995 he has worked as a Freelance Tourist Guide, primarily in the Lake District.

Since being a member of the county council he has been particularly involved with the work of South Lakeland Local Committee, having been its chair for several years.

"I am both proud and delighted to hold the honorary role of Chairman especially in this the council’s 40th year,” he said.

“I am looking forward to a busy and exciting year that includes such notable events such as the start of the First World War 100 years ago and 70 years since the end of the Second World War.

"I find it hard to believe that I have been entrusted with this honour and I am really looking forward to representing Cumbria and its communities in the year ahead."

Coun Mel Worth, Labour member for Walney North, is the new Vice Chairman.