Councillor Linda Grooby is High Peak's new mayor

Conservative councillor Linda Grooby, who represents the Cote Heath ward in Buxton, has taken on the civic role for 2018/2019.

Accepting her nomination as mayor, she said: “I was surprised to be asked but it is an honour and a privilege and I will represent the High Peak to the best of my ability.

“Being a member of the council has given me an opportunity to shape the future of Buxton and the High Peak which means so much to me.

“I now look forward to using my mayoral year to further this ambition and increase fundraising for the many worthwhile local charities.”

Linda, 64, will be supporting Blythe House Hospice and Buxton Mountain Rescue Team. She said: “We all know someone who has used the services of Blythe House, and being a keen walker the mountain rescue is close to my heart.”

Linda was born in Australia but has lived in High Peak for most of her life. She is married and has four children, one of whom will be her consort for the year.

Linda works as an administrator at Tarmac Tunstead, is the chairman of Harpur Hill Residents’ Association and a governor of Buxton Junior School.

Retiring mayor, Labour councillor Matt Stone, said: “I’ve had such a wonderful year. It’s been a great honour representing the High Peak.

“I have made some great friends and met some of the incredible people that make our communities tick. It’s a year I’ll never forget.”