HALTON’S new mayor has vowed to help young people with learning disabilities and disadvantaged children during his term of office.

Cllr Alan Lowe, a Halton Lea councillor for 17 years, was installed at a ceremony in Runcorn Town Hall on Friday.

The 71-year-old dad-of-three has chosen Halton Speak Out and Halton Entertainment Arts Regional Theatre School (HEARTS) as his two chosen charities.

Guests at a celebration dinner in the Select Security Stadium raised more than £1,400 towards his Mayor’s Fund.

Cllr Lowe and his wife, Joan, 65, a councillor in the Grange ward, met working as volunteers at a youth club in Speke.

“It is an integral part of our marriage that we both volunteer,” said Cllr Lowe, a St John Ambulance volunteer who worked as a journeyman painter in the building industry.

“We are both community minded.

“I love to meet people. It is an honour and privilege to be mayor.”

Cllr Lowe first came across Halton Speak Out at his grandson’s christening.

He said: “A baby with Down’s syndrome was being baptised and the church was absolutely packed with people from Speak Out. I thought that was marvellous. It was like one big family.”

Mal Hampson, who founded the self advocacy charity in 2001, said: “We are really pleased that our work is being recognised.

“We want to support people who have learning disabilities to have choice and control over decisions made about their lives.”

A Safe in Town scheme protects vulnerable children and adults when they are out and about.

Businesses and shops have teamed up with the charity to offer a safe haven for anyone who feels threatened.

“Everyone should be able to live safely,” added Mel. “Our work is mammoth.

“As a charity we are finding it really hard to generate income so money from the Mayor’s Fund will help us to keep this scheme funded.”

Dance teacher Louis Neeves, who started HEARTS 17 years ago, added: “We get kids who wouldn’t be able to afford dance school. We don’t discriminate. We are open to everyone. There are no auditions and we buy all the costumes.”

Dancers have performed at Disneyland Paris, the Liverpool Empire and Echo Arena.