COUNCILLOR Gareth Anderson has been named as the next Ellesmere Port mayor – making him the youngest person to hold the post.

The 30-year-old will replace outgoing mayor Cllr Tony Sherlock who will hand over the chains of office at a mayor-making ceremony on May 12 at the town's Civic Hall.

Cllr Anderson said: “I am delighted to have this tremendous opportunity so that I can raise the profile of our area and show people what a fantastic place it is to live and work.

“I also want to bring some innovations to this historic role so that it can make a real difference to our community.”

His first idea is to create six ‘community mayors’ who will each have a two-month spell in the role.

He wants to reward people from organisations, societies, business groups or clubs who make a difference in the community.

They would be invited to accompany him on formal occasions or go in his place if he is unable to attend.

The community mayor would be able to use these events, as well as a new website which has been set up, to promote their work.

Cllr Anderson also revealed he will only be taking half of the mayoral allowance this year, with the rest being donated to a group, society or charity of each community mayor’s choice.

He explained: “Rather than just wear the mayoral chains, I want to be different and use my year in office to shout about the great things going on in our community and the amazing work that people within it do, usually with no recognition at all.

“My fellow Charter Trustees have also agreed with me that when the mayor’s Vauxhall Vectra needs replacing in May we will go for a locally built Astra instead to show how proud we are of our local industry.”

To find out more about the community mayor role visit www.ellesmereportmayor.net or contact Cllr Anderson at gareth.anderson@cheshirewest andchester.gov.uk or on 07798 581691.

GARETH Anderson, a former student of Meadow Primary and Whitby High schools, works as a secondary school teacher on the Wirral.He was elected as a Conservative councillor for the Ledsham ward on the old Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council in 2002. At 22 years old he was the youngest ever member of that council.Cllr Anderson became deputy leader of the Conservative group in 2004 – a position he held until the council was abolished last year. He also held spokesman positions on finance, environment and highways.Elected to the new Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2008, Cllr Anderson is deputy chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee and chairman of his community forum.