NEW Mayor of Barnsley John Clarke will be sworn in at a meeting today.

Coun Clarke, who was represented the Worsbrough ward since 2010, will take over from Coun Mick Stowe following this morning’s full council meeting.

He will be joined and supported during his mayoral year by his wife, Doreen, as mayoress.

He announced he will support both Age UK Barnsley and The Well for Barnsley Hospital Charity during his mayoral term.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to be appointed the 154th mayor of Barnsley and to be given the opportunity to represent our wonderful borough,” he said.

“For the past 14 years - and counting - I’ve had the privilege of being elected local councillor to represent Worsbrough ward and to now have the opportunity to represent and showcase our entire borough is such an honour.

“I am also grateful to have the opportunity to work with, and support two local charities, both of which are very close to my heart.

“Our borough prides itself on being a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive place, where everyone is treated equally and with kindness.

“I’m determined to make sure that we live up to this accolade by embedding this kindness and mutual respect within our communities and future generations.

“I think the thing my wife and I are looking forward to the most is to ‘bang the drum’ for Barnsley and its residents and broadcast to the widest audience imaginable, that Barnsley truly is the place of possibilities.

“Finally, I’d like to thank retiring mayor, Coun Stowe and mayoress, Elaine, for all the fabulous work they’ve done over the last year and for giving me the opportunity to get some practise in.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey to reach this honourable moment.”

Coun Stowe added: “It has been an absolute honour for Elaine and I to represent Barnsley as mayor and mayoress.

“The good people of Barnsley have been fantastic in supporting us throughout our year in office and I know they will continue that for the incoming mayor and mayoress.”