Councillor Denis Murphy was elected Mayor of Congleton at a virtual Mayor Making ceremony.

The ceremony was held at the start of Congleton Town Council's Annual Town Meeting held on Thursday. Cllr Murphy will now serve as mayor until May 2022.

Normally each new Congleton Town Mayor takes office at a colourful ceremony in the town hall in front of an audience of invited guests, however, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has led to Mayor Making and council meetings for the past year being held online rather than in person.

The mayor chose Joan Myatt to be his consort, Rev Father William Kilkenny of St Mary's Chapel has agreed to be Mayor's Chaplain and Tom Gilman, explorer scout with Dane Valley Scout Group will be the Mayor's Cadet for the forthcoming year.

Cllr Margaret Gartside was elected as Deputy Mayor for the year.

The newly elected mayor said: "I am looking forward to serving Congleton as mayor over the next 12 months and will endeavour to do so to the best of my ability and with integrity, honesty and enthusiasm.

"I have a great team around me with my consort, cadet and chaplain and I look forward to representing the town."

Cllr Suzy Firkin said: "Cllr Murphy is a much-loved and respected member of the Congleton community, generous, open and approachable, he works tirelessly to make Congleton a great place to live, through all of his voluntary work and his work as a councillor.

"This has continued during his year as Deputy Mayor, and many have appreciated his cheery outlook and encouraging words whether that be at the town hall vaccination centre where he has been prominent as a volunteer or in his formal role as Deputy Mayor during this most difficult of times."

In December 2015, Congleton Town Council voted to make Cllr Murphy an Honorary Burgess, in recognition of his 'distinguished service to the town as a former councillor'.

Cllr Firkin added: "This was a title and role Dennis accepted and took seriously and will no doubt do so again in the future when his serving councillor term finishes.

"But those days are not yet over as the people of Congleton elected him to serve them again in 2019 for four more years as both Congleton Town and a Cheshire East Councillor."

Cllr Murphy previously served as Town Mayor in 2008/09 and turn 2014/15.

Cllr Firkin continued: "We know the role will be in safe hands for 2021/22. He has always described being mayor as the best job in town and he was also the first mayor to introduce the role of mayors Cadet.

"A lovely way of engaging with the youth groups in the town.

"With his love of Congleton and wealth of experience and expertise, I can think of no better person to nominate for mayor for the ensuing year."

Cllr Russell Chadwick said: "Cllr Murphy has long been a staunch supporter of many residents and organisations within our town.

"He is also a great advocate of Congleton Town Council."

During the year, the mayor will be raising funds for various charities, but will be focusing predominately on The Christie Cancer Unit at Macclesfield Hospital and Local Youth Cadet Services.

Retiring mayor Cllr Sally Ann Holland, handed over the chain of office to her successor at the town hall.

Cllr Holland remained in office for an extra year 2020-2021 as Mayor Making was put on hold in Congleton during the first national lockdown.

The mayor elect gave thanks and presented Cllr Holland, with the past mayor's medallion.

Recognition was also given to the outgoing Mayor's Consort and to her Cadet Eloise Williams from Congleton West Ranger Unit.

The handover of the Mayoral Regalia and all formalities at the town hall were conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

The Mayor's Civic Parade and Service will take place when Covid restrictions permit.

Cllr Rob Moreton was also elected as the Town Crier and Macebearer at the Annual Town Meeting.