RITCHIE McNicholl has been re-elected as Mayor of Douglas for the 2011-2012 municipal year.

Councillor McNicholl's election took place at a statutory council meeting held at Douglas Town Hall on Wednesday.

Proposing the nomination councillor Betty Quirk said he had served as mayor for the past 12 months, and for a two year term from 2003 to 2005, with dignity and distinction.

She said: "His extensive knowledge of the history of the borough, his outgoing nature and enthusiasm for meeting people have all combined through his terms of office to promote the council."

Councillor Richard Kissack seconded the nomination calling councillor McNicholl a "remarkable man".

In his installation address to members of Douglas Borough Council, officers, honorary freemen of the borough and other guests the re-elected mayor said he was proud to accept the nomination and would undertake to continue serving the council to the best of his ability.

He went on to outline initiatives past and present undertaken by the council to ensure and enhance the wellbeing of the people of Douglas giving recent examples such as major housing schemes and wide ranging improvements to leisure and community facilities across the borough.

Referring to the regeneration scheme for Douglas he said: "The plans I have seen so far look excellent and I am confident that the scheme will transform our town centre into a pleasant and welcoming place for the benefit of our residents and visitors."

The mayor also paid tribute to a former Mayor of Douglas Dot Pitts who died last year. He said: "I remember with fondness our late friend Dot Pitts whose enthusiasm, passion and loyalty are sorely missed."

In his closing speech the mayor concluded: "Many mayors before me have spoken of the hard times that lie ahead and the challenges the council faces. But our borough goes on and I accept the office of mayor in a spirit of enthusiasm and readiness and indeed confidence that the council will overcome all the obstacles."

For the 2011-2012 municipal year councillor David Ashford was appointed deputy mayor and Sylvia Ashford deputy mayoress. Additionally the Rev Les Lawrinson will continue as mayor’s chaplain.