THE new mayor of Greenwich has been officially inaugurated and says he is looking forward to the year ahead.

Councillor Allan MacCarthy was officially elected as the new Mayor of Greenwich last Thursday (May 21) at a special ceremony held at the University of Greenwich’s world-famous Painted Hall.

Cllr MacCarthy succeeds Cllr Steve Offord, with Cllr Barbara Barwick becoming the new Deputy Mayor of Greenwich.

Born in Woolwich, Cllr MacCarthy has lived in the borough all his life.

He was first elected to Greenwich Council as an alderman in 1975 and was one of the last elected aldermen in the borough before the position was abolished in 1978.

He is currently a councillor for Charlton ward.

Cllr MacCarthy, said: “I have known, been acquainted with or simply met, nearly every mayor of this borough since it was first established.

“I feel it a massive honour to join their number and to have been given the chance to extend the path they have already made by their work and efforts, with my own.

“I look forward to the year ahead, to promoting the borough and its people and showing everyone how good this wonderful borough is.

“I am particularly looking forward to visiting the huge number of community groups and faith groups in Greenwich and supporting, in any way I can, the selfless work that they do day in and day out.”