New Lord Mayor picks Alzheimer's Society for appeal

5:13pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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Bradford's new Lord Mayor was elected into office today and revealed that the charity to benefit from his appeal will be the district's branch of the Alzheimer's Society.

Coun Howard Middleton was sworn in as the district's first citizen and 107th Lord Mayor with his wife, Colleen, as the Lady Mayoress.

It is the first time the Alzheimer's charity is to benefit from a civic appeal.

Coun Middleton, who has represented the Bolton ward, and then Bolton and Undercliffe since 1996 for the Liberal Democrats, said: "It is a real privilege to be selected as Lord Mayor.

"My wife Colleen and I have already got a number of events planned for the year ahead, but we are hoping for more invitations to a variety of events to attend and enjoy."

Coun Middleton has been chairman of the Bradford North Area Committee and is the Liberal Democrat representative on the West Yorkshire Pension Fund investment panel.

Of his decision to raise money through the Lord Mayor's Appeal for the Alzheimer's Society, Coun Middleton said: "The work they do is so important for the people of our district and I really wanted to support something that brings a great benefit to local people "After visiting the team I am very impressed with the work that they do and the group of people themselves."

The society with ten staff and about 50 volunteers help about 2,000 people, although figures suggest nearly three times as many people could be suffering from the disease.

Coun Middleton succeeded Councillor Robin Owens as Lord Mayor, who was praised for his "inspirational energy and commitment" during his year in office.

Councillor Hawarun Hussain was sworn in as the Deputy Lord Mayor - the first Green Party councillor to take up a civic role in any metropolitan authority in the country, the first Asian woman to take on the deputy role in Bradford, and the first Bangladeshi councillor in the city to wear any civic chains.

e-mail: jo.winrow @telegraphandargus.co.uk