Councillor John Deakin has been elected as Ashby's new Mayor for 2022-23.

Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Councillor John Coxon expressed his delight at the appointment of Cllr Deakin who takes over from Cllr Rita Manning.

Cllr Coxon said: "I am very pleased that Councillor John Deakin has been elected as the Mayor of Ashby de la Zouch for 2022/23. 

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

"This will be the first time that he has been Mayor, as he was elected to the Town Council for the Ivanhoe Ward in 2019. 

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

"His chosen charities for the year are 'Canine Partners' and the 'The Fire Fighters Charity'".

 Cllr Coxon also paid tribute to the out-going Mayor, Cllr Manning,

He said: "I would like to thank Rita on behalf of the town council and of the people of the town, for all of the hard work she has put in over the last year

"Rita has raised a fantastic sum of £1500 for guide dogs for the Blind and the Royal National Institute for the blind as a chosen charities

"This was despite the challenges of being mayor during the pandemic in the early part of 2021."

Cllr Manning added: "I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to serve the town and council as mayor for the last 12 months.

"Glyn and I have really enjoyed the year. 

 "I must thank Jack for his guidance. 

"He also been at my side at all the major town events, and of course Natalie. 

"She wears many hats in her role as administrator.

"She has kept me fully informed ensuring nothing gets missed and she doesn't fail to keep you on track. 

"A pleasure to work with her.  

"I hope I have served the council and town to the best of my abilities with integrity and humility. 

"I hope John enjoys his year as much as I have and I know we will all support him as our Mayor for 2022-23." 

Cllr Deakin has lived in Ashby for 22 years and went to University of Wales Bangor and Heriot Watt University Edinburgh in the 1980s, qualifying as a town planner

He said: "I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to represent Ashby de la Zouch as your Mayor for the new civic year. 

"in this regard, I would like to thank the leader of the town council, John Cox on, and the rest of my colleagues on the town council for supporting my appointment.

"I will do my utmost, with the support of my wife Karen, as the new lady Mahrez, to represent and promote our special town

"In understanding the duties of the Mayor, I know I will be able to supported by the town clerk, his staff and all the members of the Town Council.

 "In terms of chosen charities, myself and Karen would like to support "Canine Partners" and  The Fire Fighters Charity. 

"Canine Partners is based at Osgathorpe and provides assistance dogs for disabled people. 

"The Fire Fighters Charity provides all kinds of help to firefighters personnel and their families. 

"We know many of the firefighters at our local station and appreciate what a great job they do for Ashby and the surrounding area."