GORDON Bell has been elected as the new town mayor of Skipton.

He was elected unanimously by fellow councillors at yesterday's (Thursday) annual meeting of the council at Skipton Town Hall. Cllr Bell, an Independent, replaces Cllr John Dawson who has held the position for the last 18 months.

Cllr Martin Emmerson – a well-known trader on Skipton Market - was elected deputy mayor.

Cllr Chris Harbron was re-elected to the position of leader of the council, a post he has held throughout the last four years of the previous Council – as has CllrRobert Heseltine, who was re-elected as deputy leader.

Newly elected Cllr Andy Rankine – was elected to the post of shadow leader of the council.