NEWLY-elected mayors were today settling into their new positions across Suffolk after being chosen as the first citizen of their town.In Ipswich, Penny Breakwell has taken the position of mayor for the coming year.

NEWLY-elected mayors were today settling into their new positions across Suffolk after being chosen as the first citizen of their town.

In Ipswich, Penny Breakwell has taken the position of mayor for the coming year.

Mrs Breakwell, 56, is a teacher at St Helens School working with children for whom English is a second language.

She has been a member of Ipswich council for 12 years and has been a member of the executive with responsibility for environment and transport.

Her consort her husband Andrew, she takes over from Richard Risebrow, whose last night in office was marked by a civic reception for 20 "unsung heroes" who had been given awards over the last 12 years.

Neil Montgomery was today celebrating his election as the new mayor of Woodbridge to succeed Les Binns.

Mr Montgomery, of Castle Street, Woodbridge takes on the position after previously serving as deputy mayor from 2002.

He joined the town council in 1999 and is involved in many activities and groups within the town.

The 72-year-old said: "I'm very proud and privileged to serve as the mayor of such an attractive and historic place.

"I would like to foster a sense of civic pride and get people involved in the things we do in the community." His consort will be his wife, Jane.

In Stowmarket, Barry Salmon, of Finborough Road, Stowmarket, has been elected as the new town mayor in succession to Keith Scarff.

Mr Salmon, a town councillor for eight years, is following in the footsteps of his wife, Heather, who was town mayor in 1997.

"It's the first opportunity I've been given to be mayor and I'm very pleased. I want to promote Stowmarket and get to see as many organisations as possible."

Paula Batchelor is today beginning her second spell as the mayor of Needham Market after being re-elected.

The long-serving councillor, 46, of Ludbrook Close, Needham Market, was previously deputy mayor.

In Kesgrave, Don Whinney has been unanimously re-elected for another term as the chairman of Kesgrave Town Council.