SKIPTON'S new mayor Andy Rankine was elected unopposed last night, promising to work with all councillors in the 'challenging' year ahead.

Cllr Rankine, elected at the annual meeting of Skipton Town Council, thanked outgoing mayor, Cllr Martin Emmerson, and said he would forever be known as the 'dancing mayor' because of his involvement in BBC2's Our Dancing Town, which pitched Skipton up against other Yorkshire market towns.

Cllr Rankine, an Independent, said he would be supporting children's charity Skipton Extended Learning for All (SELFA) during his year in office.

Cllr Chris Clark (Cons) was elected council leader, replacing Cllr Chris Harbron (Cons).