RYEDALE District Council has a new chairman.

Councillor Bob Gardiner, ward member for Kirkbymoorside, took over the chains of office from outgoing chairman Councillor Val Arnold at the council's annual meeting.

The chairman's consort for his year in office will be his wife, Helen.

Councillor William Oxley, ward member for Pickering East, is the new vice-chairman. His consort will be his wife, Pat.