Councillor Michael Gelling has been installed as Mayor of Douglas.

As he officially took over the chain of office at a ceremony yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, Mr Gelling spoke of his ‘heartfelt appreciation’ of the honour and said he hoped the next 12 months would see real progress on many serious issues and that the Council will look imaginatively to the future and help ratepayers benefit from services.

During his year in office, he will be supported by Mayoress Shirley Wilson.

Mr Gelling succeeds outgoing Mayor Dot Pitts who received praise for an eventful’ year in office during which she attended 284 engagements, despite battling a serious illness.