Councillor Jenny Henson was made the town's new mayor at a ceremony at the council's offices yesterday, replacing Christopher Lamb.

She said: "I am very much looking forward to my year as mayor. I'm a bit apprehensive about it but I really hope it is going to be a good year.

"I want to try to bring as many people to the council as possible, so that they are aware of what we do here. A lot of people don't now what happens at the council and this is something I want to improve."

Mrs Henson was born in Kent and moved to Kettering years ago. She has spent five years as a councillor, is married to fellow ward councillor Larry Henson, and the couple live in The Gardens, Kettering.

During her year in office she will be raising money for Cransley Hospice and a prostate cancer support group at Kettering General Hospital.

Kettering councillor Ruth Groome was elected deputy mayor at yesterday's meeting of the council. Cllr Jonathan West was elected leader of the Labour Party, replacing Cllr Paul Corazzo.