Retiring mayor of North East Lincolnshire Susan Pickett says farewell and recalls the highlights of her year in office

"GOODBYE, au revoir, look after yourself and look after North East Lincolnshire."

Those were the words of former mayor and councillor Susan Pickett as she retired from all roles within the council on Thursday night's mayor-making ceremony.

CHAIN REACTION: Susan Pickett has her chains removed for the final time, at the mayor-making ceremony held at Grimsby Town Hall. Picture: Michelle Adamson. Buy this photo at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910
AU REVOIR: Mayor Susan Pickett speaks about her year as mayor.

As reported, Labour's Mike Burton was elected the new mayor of North East Lincolnshire, with Labour councillor Peggy Elliott elected deputy mayor.

Mrs Pickett believes one of the highlights of her year as mayor was visiting HMS Grimsby in Scotland and hosting its return to the town.

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She said: "This is just among a number of other wonderful opportunities I have had.

"My mayor's ball with the wartime memory theme was a big success and signing the Armed Forces community covenant will be something I won't forget.

"We were one of the first authorities to sign it and I am so pleased it happened on my watch."

Susan made a promise when she became mayor to represent the people of North East Lincolnshire, and hopes she has done just that.

She has:

Opened new buildings

Cut ribbons for the start of walks

Planted trees

Toured factories

Handed out awards

Visited schools and hospitals

Attended graduations

Judged competitions

Piloted the Humber life boat

Susan said: "The latter has to have been my favourite I enjoyed that the most but I don't think my consort did, as I made the boat wobble a lot.

"The proudest thing for me is all the money I have raised for my chosen charities the Artie White Foundation, the Grimsby Dialysis Unit and the orthopaedic trauma ward at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital.

"I want to thank everyone who supported the charities through my time as mayor."

Another proud moment for Susan was relinking the town with Bremerhaven, Germany.

She believes Grimsby can learn a lot from it and the connection with Bremerhaven is very important. Susan said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time as mayor and it was a privilege to have been chosen for the role.

"It has been a long road that I have travelled as the first citizen and my feet have not touched the ground.

"However, looking back there would be nothing I would want to change and each day has been a great experience."

Susan wanted to give special thanks to people who supported her over the year.

"I thank Karen Weir, my PA, Paul Wisken and the town hall staff, Ben my mayoral sergeant and chauffeur, Elizabeth Lidster from the democratic service, David Shenton my chaplain, Tony Hunter for his charity runs and Chris Shaw and Mick Burnett, for supporting me with my mayor's ball and birthday celebrations."