KNUTSFORD’S new civic leader has pledged to continue to champion the ‘beautiful and historic’ town.

Cllr Peter Coan was elected by Knutsford Town Council as Mayor of Knutsford for 2018 at the annual Mayor-making ceremony on Monday.

Cllr Coan has been a member of the town council for 12 years and served as Mayor in 2010.

In addition to chairing full council meetings, the Mayor represents the town at a variety of events in Knutsford and the surrounding areas.

Cllr Coan is a retired firefighter from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and served as deputy to outgoing Mayor Cllr Neil Forbes.

The Mayor has nominated four local charities and good causes to support with his fundraising events throughout the year - Knutsford Heritage Centre, The Welcome Café, Friends of the Moor and Knutsford Community First Responder Trust.

His first event will be a barbecue on Thursday, July 5 at the town council offices.

Cllr Coan said: “It’s an honour and a privilege, in my 12th year as a town councillor, to continue to champion our historic and beautiful town, and I look forward to the year ahead.

“We will continue to improve the way we try to engage with younger adults and youths, and will continue to try our hardest to protect our green open spaces, particularly the public open space at Higher/North Downs.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all our council’s latest initiatives come to fruition, including the Centennial war memorial, the new market hall and the refurbishment of our cemetery chapel.

“I look forward to the new and improved community use of our council office building, the improved support to local businesses that our specialist town centre manager will provide, and our fabulous music festival next month.

“With the help of Knutsfordians and our amazing local businesses I hope to raise funds to support local charities and good causes.”

The Mayor will be supported by his wife Ann as Mayoress.

Cllr Coan has chosen Air Cadet Max Risley as his Mayor’s Cadet for his term. Max will represent the Mayor and the town at civic functions including Civic Sunday on Sunday, July 8 and Remembrance Sunday.

Reverend Rob Cotton was appointed as Mayor’s Chaplain and will lead the Civic Service at Knutsford Methodist Church on July 8.

For more information or to invite the Mayor to one of your events or functions contact the Mayor’s PA Annabel Irvine on 01565 653 929 or email Annabel.irvine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Cllr Andrew Malloy was elected as Deputy Mayor.