APPLEBY'S new mayor, Ella Langan, attended her first public engagement - the ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Bishop Eric Treacy at the town's station.

Mrs Langan, whose escort for the year is husband, Michael, braved the heavy rain to welcome visitors to the town, and said it was "an honour" to represent the people of Appleby.

The couple, who came to Appleby in 1965, met while Michael was on National Service in Penicuik, in Scotland, Mrs Langan's hometown where her father was a councillor for many years.

Mrs Langan has been a member of Appleby Town Council for 20 years and has served as deputy mayor five times.

As Appleby's first citizen, Mrs Langan says she wishes to see the town restored to its rightful places as the jewel in Eden's crown.

She said: "I urge people to use the local services and businesses because if you don't use it, you will lose it."

The new mayor is making a crusade of improving the aesthetic look of the town, and is calling on residents to help the effort.

She added: "Let us all make every effort to improve on the appearance of the town. If we all work together, we can succeed. If we want to continue with our market town status and sustain large numbers of tourists, we need to build on the town's great assets."

May 28, 2003 09:30