THE newly-elected Mayor of St Helens has spoken of his pride at being chosen as the town's 97th first citizen.

Councillor Alex Worth (67) from Prescot Road, has served twice on the council, once from 1980 to 1986 as a Labour councillor for Thatto Heath, and for the last four years, in the Grange Park ward.

But his latest achievement has seen him reach what is considered the pinnacle of a local councillor's career.

In an exclusive interview with the Star, he said: "I think it is every councillor's goal to become the mayor of their local town and I feel very honoured that my fellow councillors consider me capable of doing the job."

Cllr Worth was born in Fazakerley but moved to Doulton Street in Newtown to live with his grandparents when he was nine months old following the death of his mother. He attended St Teresa's RC School in Devon Street and in 1957, married his wife, Esther, and the couple moved to their present home in Prescot Road.

Following an apprenticeship as a painter and decorator, he worked for several local firms before finally settling at Pilkingtons' Watson Street site in 1954 where he worked until his retirement six years ago.

In addition to his work as a member of the Labour Party, local councillor and secretary of the St Helens Builders Union - Painters Branch, where he has devoted 20 years of his life, the new mayor has also found the time to help out at a number of local charities and is a committee member of the St Helens and Knowsley Stroke Club.

He added: "I have been on the committee for the past eight years and it is very rewarding work. However, I will probably have to cut back on my work for them over the next year as it will clash with my mayoral duties but I will be trying to do as much as I can for them."

Councillor Worth also explained his decision to pick Age Concern St Helens as this year's chosen Mayor's Charity: "It was a tough decision because there are so many local charities deserving of the money. However, the plight of some elderly folk can sometimes be forgotten or glossed over and in addition, the charity always need money for their new headquarters in Mansion House."

Haydock councillor, John Mealor, has been sworn in as Deputy Mayor.

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