KENDAL'S new mayor is due to formally take office in a ceremony at the town hall today (Thursday 17).

Cllr Guy Tirvengadum, who sits on Kendal Town Council for Oxenholme ward, is taking over from fellow Liberal Democrat Andy Blackman.

Cllr Tirvengadum's chosen theme for the year is diversity, and he said that he aims to unite Kendal's community during his term in office.

"I am very excited to be mayor," he said. "I am looking forward to the role. I want to be a mayor for all the people of Kendal and make a real difference for everybody, no matter their race, background, beliefs or social class.

"I have chosen diversity as my theme because, since Brexit and over issues like New Road, the community has become quite divided.

"I am hoping to unite everybody again and get people working and living together in harmony for the betterment of Kendal."

One of the first things Cllr Tirvengadum will be doing towards establishing his theme is organising Kendal's first ever Unity Festival.

The festival will be taking place on June 23 in venues across town. The focal point will be Abbot Hall Park, with other events taking place around the town centre including the Brewery Arts Centre and the Unity Chapel.

For the past year Cllr Tirvengadum has served as deputy mayor helping his predecessor Cllr Blackman in his mayoral duties.

"Andy Blackman has been a fantastic mayor," he said. "He will be a hard act to follow.

"Throughout the past 12 months we have developed a close friendship as well as working relationship.

"He is somebody I admire. He is very genuine and I hope I can do as good a job as he has done."

At the ceremony where Cllr Tirvengadum is formally made mayor, the new deputy mayor will also be selected.

Cllr Tirvengadum will take office as mayor with immediate affect following the ceremony.