ON behalf of the Civic Party I would like to thank all the people we have met this year for their welcome, kindness and hospitality, and the numerous businesses that have helped the fundraising for our charities.

At more than 600 engagements we have been warmly welcomed, with people from across the city valuing the roles of Lord Mayor and Sheriff.

We have been invited to numerous services in the Minster and All Saints Pavement, events with the Guilds, visits to charity organisations, community events, attending the city’s numerous festivals, the racecourse and many others.

When I became Lord Mayor I said I wanted to raise awareness of environmental sustainability and to reduce single use plastic.

So we are all particularly pleased that, as a result of the determination of the Sheriff’s Consort Prof Colin Campbell, York is now a Refill City. This means that at several businesses across the city people can refill their plastic bottle (or re-usable water bottle) thus reducing the amount of plastic used.

Additionally the Sheriff has been instrumental in appointing a Town Crier, reviving a position dormant for many years.

Being Lord Mayor is interesting, enjoyable, enlightening, time consuming and tiring - an honour and a big responsibility.

We have all endeavoured to maintain the Mayoral traditions with modern ambitions.

And finally: York must be the best place in the country to be Lord Mayor.

Cllr Keith Orrell, Judith Orrell, Verna Campbell and Professor Colin Campbell,

Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Sheriff and Sheriff’s Consort,

The Mansion House, York