THE outgoing mayor of a Furness town has reflected on two years of wearing the chains.

The former Mayor of Dalton Nick Perie has given way to new incumbent Craig Fox.

Cllr Perie, who was at the helm for an extra year due to the pandemic, described his reign as ‘pleasurable’ but ‘difficult’.

Members of Dalton Town Council switched to virtual meetings after Covid-19 put a stop to regular gatherings in the town hall in Station Road.

Mr Perie, 50, said: “It’s been a pleasurable time.

“With the pandemic I didn’t get to do half as much as I would have.

“We’ve managed to keep in touch via Zoom.

“It’s been different, it’s a new way of working that we’ve had to adapt to.

“None of us have found it easy but you get used to things.”

He said he was ‘proud’ to carry on for another year in what was his second time as mayor in nearly two decades as a councillor.

Mr Perie also pointed out his pride in being able to award money to his mayor’s charities.

He gave out more than £3,000 to the 1st Duddon Scout Group, Dalton Town Band, Furness Parkinson’s Support Group, Dalton Community Church, Dalton Community and the Bay Hospital Charity’s ICU garden.

“I’m really proud that I’ve been able to support these causes,” he said.

Mr Perie said he had been happy to be able to help residents with queries and signpost them to other help.

He named littering as one of the biggest issues in the town but added: ‘It’s been an issue everywhere’.

Mr Perie congratulated new mayor Cllr Fox, who has served as his deputy for the last two years.

The outgoing mayor emphasised he is still a councillor and has encourages residents who need help to contact him.