Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has made history after the Annual Council Meeting in Cloonavin confirmed a female Mayor and Deputy Mayor serving together for the first time. UUP Alderman Sandra Hunter will be Deputy Mayor for the year ahead, working alongside the newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Huggins.

The landmark appointments mark the first occasion that both of the borough's top civic posts have been held simultaneously by women.

In her opening Mayoral address, Councillor Huggins said: "To be entrusted with this role by my colleagues in this chamber is both a privilege and a responsibility that I accept with humility and determination."

The Bann DEA representative succeeds Councillor Oliver McMullan in the chain of office. Councillor Huggins went on: "I am proud of our Borough, from our towns and villages to our rural heartlands, and of the people who make it such a strong, resilient and forward-looking place to live and work.

"As we look ahead to the incoming year, I believe there is real opportunity across the Borough to strengthen our local economy and deliver meaningful progress for our communities.

Deputy Mayor Alderman Sandra Hunter said: "It is a privilege to take on this role and I do so with humility and a strong commitment to serve all within our Borough."

Alderman Hunter, who represents the Causeway DEA went on: "Causeway Coast and Glens is a place I am incredibly proud to represent.

"I look forward to working closely with the Mayor and all councillors in the year ahead.

"Together let us serve our Borough with pride, optimism and a shared sense of purpose."