HALTON’S new Mayor has pledged to support volunteers during her term of office.

Cllr Ellen Cargill, a councillor for 18 years, was installed at a ceremony in Runcorn Town Hall on Friday.

She told guests at a dinner in the Select Stadium afterwards: “I want to give recognition to the work of all the volunteers in Halton.

“They make a huge difference. The amount of volunteers in Halton is amazing.

“They give up their time and energy enabling the community to have a brighter, happier lifestyle.”

She has chosen three charities to support for her Mayor’s Fund.

The HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust, Widnes which started in 1987, takes children with special needs, such as autism and Down’s Syndrome, on an annual holiday to Lourdes in France.

Victoria Music Limited aims to provide access to music for everyone in Halton. They offer free workshops during school holidays, singing lessons and the chance to perform in the theatre.

Widnes Fellowship Centre was set up 60 years ago by the parents of children with disabilities and special needs. Volunteers offer support and social activities.

Liverpool born Cllr Cargill moved to Murdishaw in Runcorn in 1975 and has four children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She worked part time for Vernon’s football pools and Littlewoods racing section whilst her family grew up.

She helped to set up a playgroup with other mums and was elected to Cheshire County Council in 1985.

She chaired the Halton Health Scrutiny Board from 2006 to 2015.

She is a governor of two schools and a trustee of Norton Priory Museum, Halton Millennium Green and Churchill Hall.

Her husband and consort, Dave has served as a Halton Councillor since 1977 and was council leader for six years.

He is board member for community safety and emergency planning.

He worked for the post office and became a trade union officer before retiring in 1993.