A long-serving councillor who represents the rural areas around Sutton has become the next mayor of Cheshire East.

Hilda Gaddum was sworn in as the seventh mayor of Cheshire East at a ceremony at Tatton Park. Outgoing mayor Wesley Fitzgerald handed over the ceremonial red robe and mayoral chain at the council’s annual meeting.

Coun Gaddum is the first councillor from Macclesfield to take the role since Cheshire East formed, with former mayor Roger West being the next closest as an ex Poynton councillor.

Coun Gaddum, of Hollin Lane, Sutton, who has been a councillor since 1999, said she’s pleased to become the ‘first citizen of the borough’ and fly the flag for Macclesfield.

She said: “I’m very honoured to become Cheshire East mayor and look forward to representing residents at events taking place in the year.

“I’m delighted to become the closest borough mayor to Macclesfield, it’s good for the town. I represent a huge rural community and will do my best for them. I will work hard to keep a high profile for the borough and celebrate our unsung heroes.”

Coun Gaddum was born in Sunderland, the daughter of a clergyman, and has been a poppy seller for 40 years. Her parents moved to Disley, where she met her late husband Anthony, a well-known Macclesfield silk merchant. Her three grown-up sons were at the mayor-making ceremony with their families.

She has been a Sutton councillor since the borough’s inception, was the first chairman of the Strategic Planning Board and Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services. She is a council representative on the board of governors of King’s School and has held the borough’s seat on the Peak District National Park Authority.

She has appointed her daughter-in-law Jane as mayoress. Coun Olivia Hunter, for High Legh, was sworn in as deputy mayor.

Her charities during her year of office will be Carers Trust 4all (formerly Crossroads) and East Cheshire Hospice.

Coun Gaddum said she is firm believer in the role of mayors in modern councils.

She said: “I think having a mayor is terribly important. We have our council leader and his Cabinet which are highly important but the mayor is apolitical and sits between the council and the public to be a figurehead for the community.”