South Tyneside’s traditional Sunday Parade has taken place to mark the start of Councillor Alan Smith’s year as the Borough’s First Citizen.
Civic dignitaries and guests including the mayors and mayoresses from across the region and representatives from uniformed organisations took part in the vibrant parade in Jarrow to formally welcome South Tyneside’s new Mayor.
The procession marched from Hedworthfield Primary school to St Joseph’s RC Church for a service delivered by Rev Kevin Atkinson and Father Adrian Dixon.
The Mayor said: “Sunday’s parade and service was a wonderful welcome into my first term as Mayor of South Tyneside. It was an honour to see South Tyneside’s communities come together to welcome the Mayoress and I into our new roles.
“I would like to thank the veterans from the Durham Light Infantry, representatives from the 22nd South Shields Scout group, Westoe Brass band, Hedworthfield Primary School choir, St Joseph’s Primary School choir and the Council officers who made the parade such a special occasion for myself and the Mayoress.
“I am looking forward to my year ahead as Mayor and hope to meet many more residents, schools and community groups at future events across the Borough.”