FORMER farmer Cllr Robert Mason has been elected chairman of Craven District Council.

Cllr Robert Mason told Monday's annual council meeting he had spent his whole life in Craven and had never wished to live anywhere else.

Originally an Independent member representing West Craven, Cllr Mason became a Conservative before holding onto his seat at last month's local elections.

Born at Coniston Cold, he went to school in Gargrave and then to Ermysted's Grammar School before farming at Carla Beck, Carleton.

His consort for his year in office will be his wife, Margaret, who was born in Mewith, near Bentham.

Cllr Mason, a member of the council for ten years, said he was honoured to be elected first citizen of Craven and would do his utmost to represent the district at events throughout the year.

“I’m a genuine Craven man – it’s the only place I’ve ever lived and the only place I’ll ever want to live. I’m very, very proud to be a part of this council," he said.

He also thanked outgoing chairman, Cllr Linda Brockbank, and her consort for 'flying the flag for Craven' during the last year.

During his year in office, Cllr Mason has chosen to raise money for cancer research and cardiac research.