Residents in Dalton have been saying hello to their new Town Mayor this week.

Councillor Neil McDougall was named as the latest person to take on the mantle following his election at the annual meeting of Dalton with Newton Town Council on Tuesday, May 7.

Councillor McDougall discussed his strong connections to the area, as well as how he hopes to make the town an even better place for the people living there and visitors coming for short stays.

He said: "We've got a lot to look forward to over the next 12 months.

"It's relatively early days at the moment, of course, but we'll see what the year brings - the response to my election has been great so far, so hopefully we can build on that."

The councillor has been living in Dalton since 1995 and has been in the wider for the entirety of his life, having been a pupil at Dowdales School in his youth.

This means he has a key understanding of what his fellow locals aspire for and what the town is in need of, a regional knowledge that will help drive him over the coming year.

He is also no stranger to the way councils operate, having served on the town council for three years to date - and, thanks to his penchant for business, Mr McDougall added that he was cooperated with the council for many more years beyond that.

It is that business mind that he hopes can fuel his main aims in the role.

He explained: "I want to be able to help businesses and charities, particularly smaller ones in the local area.

"I've been in the event catering industry for 40 years now with my business, so that's the sort of expertise I can bring to the table - I can certainly give my time for free and help people put on their events."

Councillor McDougall also added that one point of focus over the next 12 months would be to encourage more people to volunteer with and join the council.

Those interested in taking up roles were urged to get in touch with the council or himself to set things in motion.

Dalton's new Mayor will be supported by Councillor Ann Thurlow, one of the council's longest standing members, who was elected as Deputy Mayor.