Wirral's new mayor was formally elected and took up the chains of office at a ceremony at Wallasey town hall on Monday evening.

New Brighton councillor Pat Hackett followed his Conservative predecessor Les Rowlands as first citizen of the borough.

Wirral Globe:

Guest at the mayor-making ceremony in the civic hall at Wallasey

During his year Cllr Rowlands and the mayoress, his wife Paula, raised many thousands of pounds for Wirral branch of the Alzheimer’s Society, Clatterbridge hospital’s League of Friends and the North West Air Ambulance.

Councillor Rowlands said it had been "an honour and a privilege to serve the borough."

Incoming Mayor Cllr Hackett thanked him for his help in preparing for the year ahead and announced that his chosen charities will be Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust and Wallasey Sea Cadets.

A committed champion of New Brighton where he has lived since the early-60s, Dublin-born Cllr Hackett was elected to the council in 1994.

He was appointed cabinet member for regeneration in 2001 and has also held the portfolios of economy as well as business and tourism.

Councillor Hackett has been closely involved in the regeneration of New Brighton.

Wirral Globe:

Mayor Pat Hackett on the platform with from left outgoing mayor Les Rowlands, chief executive Eric Robinson and head of legal Surjit Tour

Following the success of the £70m investment into the Marine Point development, he said he is determined not to lose that momentum as New Brighton is transformed back to its former glory as a premier seaside resort.

A keen sportsman, Cllr Hackett played for several Wallasey football clubs in his youth and went on to run junior and adult teams for more than a decade.

The mayoress will be his wife, Mrs Elaine Hackett.

Deputy leader of the council and joint deputy leader of the Labour group Cllr Ann McLachlan was elected as the borough's deputy mayor.