KEIGHLEY'S town mayor has spoken of her "real honour" serving in the role for the past year.

Councillor Julie Adams said it was something she never imagined she'd achieve – nor an experience she would forget.

She was speaking in the week her term of office comes to an end, and her successor will be elected.

"Both myself and husband Chris have thoroughly enjoyed my mayoral year," said Cllr Adams.

"I have had the privilege to meet hundreds of people from Keighley and further afield, all of whom do amazing unsung work for our communities.

"It never fails to inspire me when I see so much community spirit, especially in Keighley, and for that I applaud its residents and thank them for welcoming me with open arms."

Cllr Adams' chosen charities for the year were the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands and Martin House Children's Hospice.

Fundraising efforts ranged from a Keighley-Skipton walk, to spending 48 hours locked in the former police cells at the civic centre.

And on Saturday, Cllr Adams had her head shaved to further boost funds – donations can still be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mayorsheadshave?utm_term=EnXYgEa6Y.

She said: "I know that when all the proceeds of our fundraising activities have been added up we will have raised over £11,000. I am overwhelmed and I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart each and every person who has contributed over the year – without you, it would have been impossible!"

Cllr Adams said there had been many memorable events and moments.

She added: "There was hosting the family of Captain Sir Tom Moore whose ashes were returned to his family grave in Keighley, leading the remembrance service in the town and hosting Keighley’s first civic dinner in a very long time.

"I've also had the chance to visit some brilliant organisations and events including the Rotary Young Musician Competition, People First Keighley and Craven, and Keighley Pride – which included raising the Pride flag in Town Hall Square for the first time. We must also not forget those smaller events that have sometimes made me laugh and sometimes even cry, like our Spooktacular event where I donned a witches outfit and our pensioners' Christmas lunches where I sang karaoke with our MP!

"I want to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 months, without which I wouldn’t have been able to fulfil my role."