A RETIRED policeman and subpostmaster elected the 275th Mayor of Kendal wants residents to immerse themselves in their community.

Councillor John Willshaw issued a rallying call to Kendalians to take part in what will be a packed year of events and celebrations.

The 65-year-old spoke of his pride in assuming the centuries-old role and how he hopes the town will ‘thrive’ in his mayoral year.

A married father-of-two, Kendal’s new First Citizen said the town had an ‘exciting’ year ahead as he was elected at a mayor-making ceremony on Thursday.

“The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations take place - there are many community events being held around the town,” said Mr Willshaw.

“I am delighted that the Olympic Torch is starting on the morning of June 22 from one of our best-known landmarks, Kendal Castle.

“What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone in Kendal, young and old, to cheer it on its way.”

Mr Willshaw was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in 1947 and spent most of his childhood travelling the world with his parents.

His father served in the RAF and Mr Willshaw was educated in Hamburg, Singapore, New York and Bahrain.

In 1965, he joined the RAF as a civil servant in Bahrain and returned to England a year later.

He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967, rising through the ranks to New Scotland Yard, before moving to Canterbury, Kent, in 1983 to run a sub post office.

He took up roles in the National Federation of Sub Postmasters until 2007 when he retired and moved to Kendal to continue his 30-year hill walking hobby.

“Kendal is brilliant,” continued Mr Willshaw. “We have Mintfest, the mountain festival and Torchlight - you name it, we have got it coming up.

“I want the community to get involved in all the events that are taking place; there is so much going on, so get involved and the community will really thrive.”

Mr Willshaw said he was ‘gobsmacked’ his councillor colleagues had elected him but described the ceremonial role as ‘an honour’.

He said he was looking forward to meeting new people and helping raise money for his chosen charity, Kendal Lads and Girls Club.

“I’m doing it with some trepidation but I’m very proud,” he explained.

“I’m looking forward to visiting and seeing people and doing things for the public.”

Kendal has had a First Citizen since 1575 but the title of Mayor of Kendal was only bestowed by King Charles I in 1636.

Town councillors elect a new mayor each year.