THE chairman of the Ilkley Parish Council, Michael Gibbons, has been formally elected for the second year running in an unprecedented step designed to smooth the implementation of the new precept charge for residents.

Councillors had earlier decided that the body's new role in distributing funds for community projects for the first time could be more efficiently introduced if the same person was in charge for two years running.

Coun Gibbons said: "I believe this is the first time a chairman has continued in office for a successive term since the formation of the parish council in 1974 and I am extremely honoured by the confidence placed in me.

"I will endeavour to serve the council to the best of my ability in the forthcoming year."

In the coming year, Coun Gibbons said that the parish council would be able to become more involved in the local community, backed by the financial clout given by the raising of the precept.

Coun Gibbons said: "Funds that are newly available through this council will be equitably distributed and I am certain they will be of genuine benefit for all."

Coun Gibbons praised the various organisations working for the good of the town and the events which have happened over the past year of his office.

He also paid tribute to the Ilkley Design Statement Group, under chairman David Cartwright, for the work in trying to preserve the character of the town.

At the ceremony, Coun Gibbons presented Certificates of Merit to three residents who had been singled out for their contributions to the community.

Margaret Smith, swimming teacher and one of the stalwarts of the Ilkley-Coutances twinning committee; Andrew Munro, chairman of the Carnival Committee and manager of the Ilkley branch of the Skipton Building Society, and Miggy Bailey, former president of Ilkley Carnival, Parish Clerk, member of the Tourist and Town Management Committee, as well as former member of the Chamber of Trade, all received the awards.

Coun Gibbons said that all three had contributed more to the welfare of the town than could have been expected.