NORTON's new deputy mayor has been appointed - just weeks after he was co-opted to join the town council.

Councillor Antony Croser was elected to the post replacing Coun Di Keal.

He will assist Mayor Coun Ray King who was reelected for a second term in office.

Coun Croser, who is Norton born and bred, said he was particularly interested in the local environment and volunteers with Malton and Norton Tidy Group and North Yorkshire County Council Countryside Services.

"Joining Norton Town Council provides the opportunity to get more formally involved in how our community operates and develops," he added.

" The next few years will be interesting and challenging times for the town council as further cutbacks to higher levels of local government will have an impact in the day-to-day living of our residents.

Coun Croser added; "Whilst the communities of Norton and Malton have changed significantly in recent years with waves of new housing development, with even more to come, there are many people who are doing good work for the benefit of others resulting in, amongst others, Ryedale Community and Leisure Centre, LoveNorton14 and the Open Stables event.

"It is important that Norton keeps and bolsters its own identity, whilst also working closely with Malton which is also on the up with, for example, the ever-expanding Food Festival and associated developments.

Coun King said he would like to thank Coun Keal for her help and support over the past year.

"As mayor it has been another busy, challenging and interesting year and I look forward to continuing working with Coun Croser, the council and community in future years to come.