Kingston’s outgoing mayor Councillor Mary Heathcote has said her year in office was “absolutely inspirational.”

Her packed schedule has seen her visit schools to teach children about the borough’s history, take part in the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations, and perform karaoke at The Cricketers pub.

Coun Heathcote said one of the highlights of her term was meeting so many of Kingston’s volunteers.

She said: “We have got such a great spirit of volunteering, and such a variety of causes.

"I just feel so proud of the place I live and work in.”

And as Kingston’s first blind mayor, Coun Heathcote has worked to raise the profile of disability in the borough.

She said: “I know from having my own disability, talking with people with disabilities it breaks down so many barriers.

“I hope it has helped to show whatever your disability and whatever difficulties you have overcome, you can still put back into the community.”

She added she has put to use her experience as a civil servant in the then-Department of Trade and Industry to promote small businesses in the borough.

Laura Smyth, founder of Yorda Adventures, one of Coun Heathcote’s chosen charities, said: “Personally I couldn’t be more grateful for everything she has done for us.

"She has gone above and beyond the duty of what is expected of a mayor in any one year.

“A year ago today nobody in the borough apart from the children and families we were working with knew who we were.”