Councillor Andrea Goddard has been officially sworn as the new Mayor of Dudley, taking over from Sue Greenaway.

The borough’s first citizen was previously Deputy Mayor for the past 12 months and as the new Mayor, promised to raise money for Dudley Community First Responders, Mary Stevens Hospice, UpsnDowns and Prostate Cancer.

Councillor Goddard’s consort is Councillor James Clinton. Councillor Andrea Goddard, Mayor of Dudley, said:

"It’s a great honour to be the Mayor of Dudley and a unique opportunity to be an ambassador for this borough.

"I will grab the opportunity with both hands to not only raise the profile of four very worthwhile charities but also the much-needed funding they require to allow them to continue their incredible work.

"I hope people will help me raise as much as we can over the next 12 months."

Dudley Community First Responders is a charity which supports the ambulance service on emergency calls. Mary Stevens Hospice has been providing high quality care for people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses since 1991. UpsnDowns provides support and advice for children, adults and families affected by Down’s syndrome. Prostate Cancer raises money for people and families affected by cancer.

Councillor Peter Lee has been named Deputy Mayor of Dudley for the next 12 months, his wife Gloria will be Deputy Mayoress.