Councillor Rita Manning was elected as Ashby's new mayor on Monday evening.

The Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Cllr John Coxon expressed his delight as Cllr Manning's new role.

She replaces Cllr Graham Allman who has served as Mayor for the past two years,

Cllr Coxon said: "I am very pleased that Cllr Rita Manning has been elected as the Mayor of Ashby de la Zouch for the year 2021/22.

"I'm sure that Rita will be an excellent ambassador for the town and the Town Council.

"This will be the first time that he has been Mayor as she was elected to the Town Council for the Blackfordby ward in 2019.

"I'm sure that everyone will want to join me in wishing Rita good luck for the year.

"Her chosen charities for the year are 'Guide Dogs for the Blind' and the 'Royal National

Institute for the Blind'."

Councillor Coxon also paid tribute to the out-going Mayor, Cllr Allman: "I would like to thank Graham on behalf of the Town Council, and of the people of the town, for all of the hard work he has put into the work of the Mayor over the last two years.

"Despite the challenges of being Mayor during the pandemic, Graham has raised the fantastic sum of £1,800.00 for "Mind" as his chosen charity."

Cllr Manning said: "I am very grateful that my colleagues have chosen me as Mayor for the forthcoming year. It is a great honour and privilege. I look forward to a really busy year as the town and the country emerges from lockdown."

Cllr Manning gave some details of her background and connection with the area.

She said: "I was born in Moira and have remained in the area all my life.

"I attended Donisthorpe School, followed by Ashby Grammar School and my teenage evenings were spent at Ashby Ivanhoe Youth Club.

"Glyn and I married in 1971 and have two children and four grandchildren.

"We have lived in Blackfordby for the last 36 years.

"I worked for nearly 30 years for a local engineering company where I was a Director for eight years before retiring and I was fortunate to be elected as a Town Councillor to represent the Blackfordby Ward two years ago.

"I look forward to representing the Town, Blackfordby and all its residents as your Mayor."