IT'S very much a case of like father like son with Cllr Sam Naylor being named as the new Mayor of Northwich.

Cllr Naylor, who describes himself as being 'a product of Northwich', takes on the role from Cllr Kevin Rimmer, said it was a huge honour to follow in the footsteps of his dad Harold, who served as town Mayor in 1977.

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"It used to be a big thing back in those days," he said.

"I can remember being old enough to go to a ball at the old Memorial Hall and there were a few hundred people there.

"There was a big parade through the town, with a band and everything.

"Those days are obviously gone now, but I'm looking forward to having a very active year.

"I'm up for doing anything that will promote the town and get it back on its feet, particularly post-Covid.

"It's all about being positive and giving the town the right image and if I can help in any way, that's what I'm there for."

Northwich Guardian: The original Mayor Naylor and his wife Irene.

The original Mayor Naylor and his wife Irene.

Cllr Naylor said he is hewn from the same stone as his father, who passed away in 1986, and who after serving the town with distinction throughout his career, had Naylor Court named after him.

He said: "My Dad was passionate about the town, just as I am.

"We're definitely hewn from the same wood or stone."

Asked about the potential for a third generation of the family ever taking on the honour of being Mayor, Cllr Naylor went on to say how encouraging younger and more diverse people to be councillors would be one of his objectives.

"My oldest son Peter also spent some time on the Town Council before work commitments meant he had to step away," he said.

"There's no doubt about it, when you look at the age profile of most councillors its dominated by people who have had their professional careers and have the time to devote to community.

"One of my objectives will be, as far as possible, to co-opt people and make sure we've got the right kind of gender balance.

"I'd also really like to get people with disabilities on the council, so everyone is represented."

Northwich Guardian: The Naylor family were featured in the Guardian all the way back in 1977.

The Naylor family were featured in the Guardian all the way back in 1977.

As the town takes its first steps back on the road to normality, Cllr Naylor is likely to have a busy year on his hands, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

He said: "I'm a product of Northwich, born and bred.

"I've always been really passionate about the town and its history, it's really important to me.

"That's why I entered local politics, to make sure Northwich has its feet under the table as far as Cheshire West and Chester are concerned.

"There was always a view, and still is, that CWAC is a bit Chester-centric.

"I'm there to make sure that Northwich gets its fair share."

Northwich Guardian: Cllr Naylor will serve as the town's mayor for the next year.

Cllr Naylor will serve as the town's mayor for the next year.

Cllr Naylor has not yet announced a chosen charity for the year ahead, but said he is very much looking forward to doing as much as he can to boost the town's profile.

"I'm not going to name any particular charity at the moment, but I'm just going to raise as much as I can and distribute as and when needed by worthy charities in Northwich throughout the year," he added.