HESWALL councillor Les Rowlands has been formally elected as Wirral's new mayor.

A registered carer, the borough's new civic leader has dedicated his mayoral year to helping the elderly.

Introducing his successor, outgoing mayor Cllr Steve Foulkes joked he had had his “ups and downs” during his year as Wirral’s first citizen.

But he raised more than £32,000 for charities and said the experience had underlined for him the tremendous work that goes on behind the scenes, carried out by a huge number volunteers across the peninsula.

"It was truly amazing, truly humbling and I am truly thankful for the opportunity," he said.

Councillor Rowlands' chosen charities will be Wirral branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, Clatterbridge hospital’s League of Friends and North West Air Ambulance.

Taking up up the chains of office during a ceremony at Wallasey Civic Hall on Monday, Cllr Rowlands said: "I am delighted and honoured to accept the mayoralty and I will do all I can to uphold this great tradition."

He went on to explain he is a registered carer, looking after his own mother: "She's 86 and I'm so proud she is able to be here tonight.

"But I know many elderly people in Wirral today experience a lot of lonelieness in their lives.

 "I will be encouraging everyone to look around them, look around their neighbourhoods, to see if there is an elderly person who needs a bit of support or a friendly chat."

The mayor has entertained as a musician and has also appeared on stage on television in numerous roles. He is a member of actors' union Equity.

His wife Paula, who works for the council as a school improvement officer, will be the borough's mayoress.

New Brighton councillor Pat Hackett was appointed deputy mayor.