The new chairman of Addingham Parish Council says his first task will be to form a campaign group over the admission of Addingham children to Ilkley Grammar School.

Former vice chairman, Councillor Ian Taylor, was appointed chairman of the parish council last night, with the unanimous backing of the council.

Coun Taylor has been acting chairman for several months, since outgoing chairman, Coun Alison Widdup, began a period of maternity leave. Coun Widdup did not restand for the role.

Coun Taylor, who joined the council in 2007, said: "I’m delighted and honoured to have been appointed as chair of Addingham Parish Council, and I look forward to the challenge of the next 12 months. My immediate priority is to bring together all interested parties to form a working campaign group to try and make real progress on the Ilkley Grammar School admissions issue, and I have already set that work in train.

"Longer term, I hope to help bring about a more 'joined up' approach to the management of the village, developing closer links with important organisations such as the Civic Society, School Governors and the Garden Friends, all of which do very important work in Addingham – I’m sure we can all benefit from sharing ideas and skills."

He also paid tribute to Coun Widdup.

"Alison worked hard to modernise the Council and brought lots of fresh ideas to the table. She will be a hard act to follow," he said.

Taking on the role of vice-chairman is Coun Catherine Coates.