KIRKOSWALD'S Cllr Mary Robinson (Independent Group) was elected chairman of Eden District Council at last night's annual meeting.

Members also elected Warcop's Cllr William Patterson (Independent Group) as vice chairman for the next 12 months.

“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured that my fellow members have elected me as chairman," said Cllr Robinson. "In what will be a busy year ahead nationally, I look forward with the help of vice chairman Cllr William Patterson, to using these civic roles to raise the profile of Eden district and build on the networks that we have established in Eden and wider Cumbria."

“The charities I am seeking to support over the 12 months as chairman are Hospice at Home and the Great North Air Ambulance. I look forward to working with my fellow members to see how we can support these worthwhile causes. ”

During the meeting, council leader Kevin Beaty, announced that Cllr Gordon Nicolson OBE (Lazonby Ward/Conservative Group), has resigned as Resources Portfolio Holder.

The following chairman were elected to the respective council committees: Scrutiny Co-ordinating Board, Cllr Douglas Banks (Independent Group); Housing and Communities Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Joan Raine (Conservative Group); Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Ian Chambers (Conservative Group); Accounts and Governance Committee, Cllr Paula Breen (Conservative Group); Planning Committee, Cllr John Thompson (Conservative Group); Licensing Committee, Cllr John Owen (Conservative Group); Human Resources and Appeals Committee, Cllr John Lynch (Conservative Group).