A new Lord Mayor for Newcastle

Newcastle received a new Lord Mayor today (Wed May 25) – in the 800^th anniversary year of the mayoralty of Newcastle.

Cllr Hazel Stephenson was invested into the role during a ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre in front of a packed audience.

Cllr Stephenson, who represents Scotswood and Benwell, follows in the footsteps of her late father Cllr Terry Cooney, who was also Lord Mayor.

Lord Mayor Cllr Stephenson, said: “It’s a great honour to become Lord Mayor of Newcastle, especially in the 800^thanniversary of the city’s mayoralty.

“I am a great believer in getting things done by bringing people of all faiths, backgrounds and ages together to work in the best interests of this great city, and I hope to use my year to do a lot of good things that help people in their lives.”

Sheriff and Deputy Lord Mayor will be Linda Wright.

Cllr Stephenson replaces Cllr Ian Graham, who represents Castle ward.

Following the official handing over of robes and chains, attendees processed to nearby St Thomas’ Church for a traditional service.

The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor then returned to the Civic Centre for a reception to mark the occasion.

The Lord Mayor’s chosen charities will support children, firefighters and dogs.

Cllr Stephenson is the 19th woman to be Lord Mayor in the 800 years Newcastle has had a mayor.