The new mayor of Lancaster has been sworn in to begin his year in office.
Councillor Colin Hartley donned the mayoral robes in a centuries-old civic tradition, in a mayor making ceremony at Lancaster Town Hall on Friday.
Councillor Hartley took over as the Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Lancaster in a tradition that dates back to 1338 when Robert de Bolron was appointed to the role.
A true local, Councillor Hartley was born at Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe as the youngest of three brothers.
Educated locally at Poulton-le-Sands Primary School and Skerton County Secondary School, Colin’s early working life began helping in his parents’ fish and chip – and tripe – shop on Queen Street, where he earned his pocket money after school.
He went on to join the Department of Health and Social Security, working initially on West Road in Lancaster, followed by Mitre House, before later posts in Lytham St Annes and Fleetwood, from where he retired.
Councillor Hartley is married to Elaine, who will serve as Mayoress during his year in office. Elaine, also a former Skerton pupil, met Colin through their work. The couple have one daughter, Kate, and a granddaughter, Charlotte.
Joining them in supporting civic duties will be Councillor Catherine Potter, who has been appointed Deputy Mayor.
Reflecting on his upcoming mayoral year, Councillor Hartley said: “I am very much looking forward to meeting people from all walks of life and learning even more about the fantastic district in which we live.
‘’It is a real honour to be given the opportunity to serve as Mayor and to represent our communities over the coming year.”
The mayor’s charities for 2026/27 are Citizens’ Advice North Lancashire and Morecambe Bay Foodbank.
The mayor of Lancaster is a councillor on Lancaster City Council, and is chosen each year for a 12-month period in office.
The previous mayor was Councillor Margaret Pattison.
£2.5m funding boost for Eden Project Morecambe will help create new visitor zone
Four arrests made after robberies and burglaries at Morecambe and Lancaster shops
British Transport Police office returns to Lancaster Railway Station
Ryelands Community Connect initiative aims to bring together locals
Twenty vehicles caught speeding during police crackdown in Lancaster
Councillors call for halt to demolition of vandalised Morecambe 'youth hut'
Coastal pollution clean-up training to be held on Morecambe beach
Man seriously injured at Morecambe pub "making excellent progress" as investigation continues
Vandals target tractors used by King's Guide to Sands of Morecambe Bay to keep walkers safe
MP hopes for improved mobile signal at last as new mast installed in Lancaster
Maternity services at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary officially exit national special measures
Crews tackle kitchen fire in Lancaster
Opening date announced for animal rescue charity's new Morecambe home
Lancaster MP takes on Morecambe 10K in aid of new children's playground
Tributes paid to twice-Lancaster mayor who served on council for 56 years
Dancing Eric Morecambe Statue part of police campaign to warn about AI deepfakes
PHOTOS: Great Wall of China trek raises more than £300K for Lancaster hospice
Another earthquake hits Silverdale as tremors felt across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Fire crews tackle vehicle fire on M6 near Lancaster
Poetry in motion as live workshop comes to Morecambe rail journey
