SKIPTON'S new Mayor has pledged to head a council based on sound, green principles.

Cllr Peter Madeley, whose acceptance speech at last night's annual meeting of the town council included the reading of a poem written by feminist writer Bell Hooks, said the world faced worrying times of climate change.

"I pledge all that we do as a council will be based on sound, green principles, " he said.

"As a council we will continue to modernise our practices.There is no turning back and we will make even greater efforts to look at all aspects of our work to make sure we are moving forward in a progressive manner," he said.

Cllr Madeley (Lab) who said he felt very privileged and honoured to be Mayor, told his fellow councillors, many of who were attending their first meeting following the local elections earlier this month: "It is our responsibility to serve and deliver services effectively."

Cllr Karen McIntyre was elected deputy mayor and should become Mayor next year.

Cllr Robert Heseltine, who earlier this week was elected Vice Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, was elected town council leader, and Cllr Madeley was elected deputy leader.