A PRESTWICH councillor is to become the new Mayor of Bury.

Cllr Jane Black, who represents St Mary’s Ward, will be the borough’s next Mayor, something she said she was ‘honoured’ to take on.

Cllr Black was born and raised in Prestwich and says her Jewish upbringing has given her a strong sense of community.

“I feel so honoured to have the opportunity to serve the borough of Bury as its mayor," she said.

"My Jewish upbringing has given me a strong sense of identity, family and community, and a commitment to building bridges between different groups and faiths that I hope to develop in this role.

“I now look forward to representing the whole borough and to learning so much more about all the fantastic people and groups that make our town such a great place to live.”

Council leader, Cllr Rishi Shori put the choice of mayor to councillors at a Cabinet meeting.

He said: “Cllr Black has dedicated her working life to public service, she spent 23 years as a local government officer, working in Rochdale, Manchester and Salford.

“In retirement she decided to extend her life in public service by becoming a councillor in 2012.

“She injected enthusiasm to all the roles she’s fulfilled at the council.

“She was born and raised in Prestwich and understands the local community and I know she’s looking forward to this opportunity to learn more about all of Bury’s communities, both north and south.”

Councillors were happy to approve the recommendation which is expected to be put to a formal vote at the full council meeting later this month.

Cllr Black is a Labour party member and currently sits as chairwoman of the planning committee.

Since being elected to represent St Mary’s Ward, Cllr Black has held a range of positions including chairwoman of the Prestwich Township Forum, cabinet member for health and wellbeing and regulation and resources.

She lives in Prestwich with her husband Mark, who will be the Mayor’s consort and they have two daughters, Elena, aged 26 and Maya, aged 24.

Cllr Black attended Sedgley Park, where she is now a governor, and King David schools, then Stand Grammar before studying at Birmingham University and in Montreal, Canada. Starting work for a voluntary organisation, she then spent 23 years as a local government manager in Rochdale, Manchester and Salford. After taking early retirement in 2011, she was encouraged to stand for the council.

She will take over the mayoral role from current mayor Cllr Dorothy Gunther.