Mayor to hand over chains of office after raising over £60,000

Incoming Mayor Coun Christine Iredale will follow Coun Dodds, who has attended 260 engagements as part of his civic duties and raised £60,000 for the Royal British Legion.

She will be sworn in alongside Deputy Mayor Coun Gwen Lowe at a ceremony on May 24 at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Coun Dodds said: “I’ve had a wonderful and inspiring time in my role as mayor, and have been ably supported by my wife Carol. We have met some wonderful people and been truly humbled by the support my charity has received.”

His engagements included attending the Dewsbury Freedom Parade, rowing in a dragon boat race and welcoming the Duke of York to open Huddersfield University’s new building.

He sang with schoolchildren to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, played a cricket match against Emmerdale stars.

“It’s been a varied and interesting year which has taught me a lot about the wonderful people of Kirklees,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed every minute of it – it’s been both a privilege and an honour to undertake the role.”

The Mayor Making Ceremony will take place at 12.30pm. Anyone is welcome to come and watch.

Coun Iredale’s charities for next year will be Dementia UK and The Alzheimer’s Society.