A Keighley town councillor who served as mayor seven years ago is set to return to the role for the next civic year.

Councillor Graham Mitchell, who was mayor in 2006/07, was voted back in by at a meeting of Keighley Town Council.

Both he and the current deputy mayor, Coun Judith Brooksbank, had been nominated for the role.

Lawkholme & Showfield ward councillor Javaid Akhtar was the only nominee for the deputy mayor post.

Coun Mitchell was put forward to be mayor by Coun Margaret Ward and seconded by Coun Michael Westerman.

Coun Ward said: “Councillor Mitchell is a Keighley man and a founder of this town council who has worked tirelessly for the town and his ward over the last 12 years.

“He is a man of the highest integrity and has a great deal of knowledge about local government and its workings.”

In a secret vote, Coun Mitchell, who represents Oakworth, won by 18 votes to seven.

Accepting the role, Coun Mitchell said: “Whatever our critics may say about me, does not alter the fact that you know that I’ve always done my best for Keighley, and I always will fight for Keighley, the town of my birth.”

The Council’s mayor-making takes place on May 15.