A council's new chairman has vowed to "champion the cause of volunteers" during his term in office.

South Derbyshire District Council's new chairman Councillor Michael Stanton is urging groups and volunteers from across South Derbyshire to come forward to make themselves known to him about what their group does, what services it offers and all of their activities.

Outgoing chairman and self-confessed "man of the people" Councillor Pat Murray handed over the chains of office to his successor at the annual civic council meeting in May.

Councillor Stanton, a retired farmer and a member of the Repton ward, has been part of the district council for the last six years and is returning to office after being chairman for the year in 2011.

He has explained his hopes and what challenges he believes the district may face during the next 12 months.

Pictured, from left, are: Councillor Michael Stanton, his wife and consort Heather Stanton, and new vice-chairman Margaret Hall and her husband Michael
Pictured, from left, are: Councillor Michael Stanton, his wife and consort Heather Stanton, and new vice-chairman Margaret Hall and her husband Michael

He said: “It’s a great privilege to be elected as chairman for the second time – I feel quite humbled by it.

“I’m looking forward to representing the citizens of South Derbyshire once again and will do so to the best of my abilities.”

The father of two will be joined by a consort of his wife Heather, a former teacher, and Councillor Margaret Elizabeth Hall who is a Seales ward member and will take the position of vice-chairman.

Councillor Stanton has lived in the area all his life and resides in the village of Ticknall; he has already pledged his support to the Rutland Air Ambulance for the next year.

He said: “My support for the Rutland Air Ambulance comes after my granddaughter Jemima was kicked in the side of the head by a horse a few years ago - she was just four at the time.

“The air ambulance whisked her to hospital with bruising on the brain. It was touch and go for four days or so, but I genuinely believe that the response of the air ambulance was the main reason she pulled through.

“I want to give something back to support their excellent work, especially in rural areas.”

Outgoing chairman Pat Murray is holding a celebration of his own after raising a total of £11,006 for various charitable causes.

Councillor Pat Murray on one of his final fund-raising bike rides
Councillor Pat Murray on one of his final fund-raising bike rides

The money he has raised during his term in office is being split equally between Prostate Cancer UK and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Charitable Funds for the prostate fund.

One of the ways he raised the money was by cycling 100km across South Derbyshire; with 10 separate 10km rides. He used the rides as a way of spreading awareness of the disease as well as raising funds.

He completed cycle routes through Etwall, Hatton, Overseal and Aston-on-Trent, along with a number of surrounding villages.

A large chunk of the money came from the charity gala ball, held at Burton Albion Football Club at the Pirelli Stadium, raising an incredible £5,505 in one night, leaving Councillor Murray amazed.

Following the event he said: “I am overwhelmed by the amount raised and by the incredible support and assistance I received from so many people to make that possible.

“Action Nation allowed me free use of their facilities at Green Bank for my cycling training, while Lloyd’s Cycles in Swadlincote loaned me a bike to complete the rides. To learn that the money raised could make a difference to lives is absolutely wonderful.”

Other events organised to help boost the total were a St Patrick’s Day Ceilidh, at Woodville Box Club, and Last Night of the Proms at Rosliston Forestry Centre.