Like father, like son! Thurrock has a new mayor - and for the first time a son is following in his father's footsteps.

Gerard Rice was unanimously elected to the post of the borough's first citizen at Thurrock Council's annual meeting.

New mayor - Gordon Barton, standing, hands the chains of office to his successor Gerard Rice Picture: DAVE HENDERSEON

His father, Pat, was mayor twice - in 1976 and 1993 - and was later made a freeman following his retirement from the council. Although Pat Rice died last year, he managed to see his son become deputy mayor to Gordon Barton.

After congratulating the outgoing mayor and mayoress as "fine ambassadors for the borough", Mr Rice announced that he would be following recent tradition by making the Thurrock Community Chest his charity for the coming year.

Mr Rice is set to be in office for 13 months as next year's annual handover will be in June following elections - where every seat in the chamber will be up for grabs - scheduled for June 10, 2004.

Mr Barton described his year as "thoroughly exceptional", remarking on the Queen's golden jubilee celebrations of last summer and paying tribute to the many "very special people" he and mayoress Beverly had met during their 350 official visits.

He added that £25,000 had been raised for the community chest fund and a further £3,390 for the Royal British Legion.

Published Friday, May 23, 2003

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