NEW Lord Mayor Hazel Noonan has spoken of her honour at being handed the annual accolade.
Coun Noonan, who represents Cheylesmore, has served on the city council since 2000 and is born and bred in the city.
She said: “During my year as Deputy Lord Mayor, I met so many amazing people who are doing wonderful things for their communities and I hope to continue with this and do my best to be a good ambassador for my home city.
“I am excited and honoured at the prospect, but also a bit cautious as I know it is going to be a very busy year indeed.
“However, I am really looking forward to welcoming visitors and to share with them our achievements and our hopes for the future.”
She will pick three charities to support through the year – a tradition for Lord Mayors – while her son Christopher will act as consort after accompanying her as Deputy Lord Mayor last year.