The new Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, was sworn in yesterday at a special ceremony in City Hall.

The long-serving councillor, who represents Wharfedale for the Conservatives, was praised by those that had nominated him to be the district’s first citizen for the forthcoming municipal year.

He also gave more details of his appeal fund, which will benefit a number of different organisations in the district, rather than raise cash for a single cause.

He told a packed Council Chamber: “I am delighted to say that I am establishing a Lord Mayor’s Appeal Committee which will invite organisations across the district to have at least one day’s action of involvement and split the funds raised, perhaps the total for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, perhaps on occasion retaining a portion for their own projects.

“In that way local efforts will be rewarded – and money raised will be spent locally within the district.”

He pledged that the first £4,500 raised would be split between five organisations across the district when the money comes in. These are: Hope Housing, the churches of St Joseph and St Patrick, the Imagination Library, Roshni Ghar in Keighley, and Keighley and District Talking Newspaper for the Blind.

Coun Smith, who has been a member of the Council for more than 30 years, said he was delighted to have been chosen during the Queen’s diamond jubilee year. His wife, Margaret, will be the Lady Mayoress.

Ilkley Conservative councillor Mike Gibbons was sworn in as the Deputy Lord Mayor.

‘Honoured to assume role of first citizen’

Keighley’s new town mayor and deputy mayor for the 2012/13 civic year have been proposed and elected.

Councillors George Metcalf and Sally Walker were confirmed in their posts at the town council’s annual mayor making ceremony. Coun Walker was unable to be present at the event but was elected in her absence.

The councillor, who represents Bogthorn & Exley ward, said he was honoured to assume the role of mayor, adding that he would work tirelessly for the people of Keighley.

During his year in office he will raise money for Keighley and Airedale Cancer Support and the children’s ward at Airedale Hospital.