Keighley’s new mayor and deputy mayor for the 2014-15 civic year have been formally confirmed in office.

Town councillors Graham Mitchell and Javaid Akhtar officially accepted their respective roles as mayor and deputy mayor during a ceremony last week.

Addressing his fellow councillors last Thursday, Coun Mitchell, who also served as town mayor in 2006-07, said: “This is not the night for big speeches or debates because this is the annual procedural meeting where we are required by law to confirm the structures within which the council works.

“But I will say this is a heavy burden you have laid upon my shoulders, and regardless of what has been said elsewhere, the mayoralty is not an ego trip.

“I know what your expectations are – I hope I have the strength to fulfil them.

“You will not all like all the decisions I will make, but I ask that you respect them.”