DUDLEY'S new mayor will pay tribute to Prince Philip during her year in office by supporting the Duke of Edinburgh charity.

Councillor Anne Millward was elected as the borough’s civic leader at a full council meeting on Thursday night (May 20), with her son Jack named as her consort.

The former council leader, who represents Gornal, took over the role from Councillor David Stanley who served for two years in a row due to Covid-19.

In honour of the Duke, who died last month, Councillor Millward said raising money for his awards scheme would be one of her causes in the next 12 months.

She also said she would support mental health charity Dudley Mind and set up a community fund scheme to support voluntary groups in the town.

Councillor Millward said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to serve this borough as Mayor and I will do all I can to build on the excellent work of the Mayors who have served before me.

“I think what the Duke of Edinburgh did to help young people to reach their full potential is nothing short of inspirational.

“I decided to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme to continue that legacy and help the young people of this borough flourish.

“Dudley Mind also does some incredible work to support people affected by poor mental health. I want to do all I can to help them carry on doing that – particularly after the year we have just had when many people will have struggled.

“In addition to that, the community fund is about helping borough groups who have been hit hard over the past year.

“It is vital we continue to give them access to funding so they can continue their important work.

“We will be announcing the details of how that will work in due course, but the Mayoral role gives me a unique opportunity to help people who need it most and I am very much looking forward to doing that.”

Councillor Sue Greenaway was named Deputy Mayor of Dudley, and her husband Desmond named consort.