THE future mayor of Grange-over-Sands is looking forward to "a special year" when he takes over in May and is determined to ensure the town's vitality.

Coun Michael Fieldhouse, who has been a member of Grange Town Council for five years, accepted the "honour" this week, and thanked fellow councillors for their support.

Speaking about his mayoral ambitions, the 40-year-old told the Gazette: "I'd like to encourage more team work and input from individuals and organisations in Grange to take forward the vitality of the town."

He stressed his interest in supporting younger residents and their ventures, and said he was very supportive of projects such as the Grange Community Resource Centre, which will offer young people somewhere to spend their free-time.

"It is a great honour to be able to serve the town in this way," said Coun Fieldhouse, who is a purchasing manager for Oxley Developments Company Ltd, Ulverston, which designs and manufactures electronic components.

"I am keen to represent the town and community, and it is a great joy to be able to be involved like this," he added.

"I will give the role my full attention and make it a special year."

Coun Fieldhouse, who has been with Oxley Developments for about 20 years, started his career there after reading Business Studies at Cambridge College of Art and Technology.

Originally from Grange, he is a former pupil of Grange CE Primary School and George Fox School in Lancaster.

Coun Fieldhouse is also a committed member of St Mary's CE Church, in Allithwaite, where he has been a warden for four years.

He recently moved to Allithwaite to be more involved in the local community, and he has taken the unusual step of transforming part of his home into a charity shop to raise money for the church and other causes.

Grange town mayor Coun Pamela Monkhouse congratulated Coun Fieldhouse on his appointment, and urged fellow councillors to support him and to continue working as a team.