Former council leader becomes new mayor of West Norfolk

Dignitaries and guests filled the grand assembly room of King's Lynn Town Hall to witness councillor Nick Daubney formally become mayor for the upcoming year.

Mr Daubney was elected council leader in 2007, a position he held for nine years before retiring in 2016.

Council leader Brian Long made a touching speech to nominate Mr Daubney for the position, stating he had learnt a lot from his predecessor.

Mr Long said that he left 'a legacy to be proud of'. He added: 'He had a vision which I am sure will continue as mayor.'

Deputy council leader Elizabeth Nockolds seconded the nomination, adding: 'I have known Nick for at least 30 years, I thought he was the perfect person for this post.

'He is a good speaker and he believes in a strong link between council, residents and businesses and he enjoys traditions, culture and heritage.'

Mr Daubney took on his new role from Carol Bower, with Geoffrey Hipperson to take on the role of deputy mayor from Jim Moriarty.

The new mayor of West Norfolk said he will continue to work with homeless charity the Purfleet Trust as one of his chosen charities of the year along with the winter night shelter.

He said the work undertaken by these charities were admirable, with the winter night shelter provided support to 45 individuals.

He added: 'Homelessness and reasons for street sleeping are not exclusively West Norfolk issues but they are West Norfolk issues.'

For the first time in mayor-making history, three cadets were presented with badges to be become the mayor's cadets in a civic role.

They were Nicole Handley, 15, Isaac Mayes, 14 and Michael Smith, 17.

Mr Daubney said: 'I am appreciative to the police for allowing this great privilege.'

In an emotional departing speech, Carole Bower said the experience has taught her many things, from sailing in the Wash on a pilot boat to being taught computer programming by 10-year-old students.

She added: 'This last year has flown past and has been an enormous honour.'