A ceremony to install a Keighley-born weatherman as mayor of an East Yorkshire village, also paid tribute to another popular TV personality.

Paul Hudson, 35, the new Mayor of Wetwang, unveiled a plaque in memory of the late Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley.

Richard was honorary mayor of Wetwang from 1999 to 2005. He died in June 2005, aged just 61.

Ex-Oakbank pupil Paul's inauguration came the day before the first anniversary of the death of his Bradford-born predecessor. After the ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of spectators, Paul said: "It was particularly poignant for me because the first time I was ever on telly was when Richard interviewed me for Calendar 20 years ago."

The unveiling of the plaque was the BBC weatherman's first civic duty, since he was chosen by 66 of the 152 villagers who voted.

He beat off competition from big-name national celebrities such as Terry Wogan and Carol Vorderman.

Paul said he knew he had been nominated for the post but did not know he had won the vote until getting "a phone call out of the blue".

He added: "People think being Mayor of Wetwang is just a bit of fun but there's a lot of pressure on. Following in Richard's footsteps means I've got a lot to live up to."

His duties include attending at least two events a year in the village, such as a school fete and the scarecrow festival.

He will return to Wetwang in December to compere a carol concert in aid of children's charities.

Paul added: "It's a lovely little place, well worth a visit on a day trip, but if you book for a week you might be a bit disappointed although it is on the way to Bridlington!"