COUN Caroline Makinson was welcomed back as the Mayor of Barnsley at Thursday’s full council meeting.

She was originally welcomed as mayor in October instead of May due to the restrictions during the pandemic - and she will now serve her full term for 2021-22.

She will be supported by her husband, Barry Makinson, who will take on the role of the mayor’s consort, and Coun Sarah Tattersall was also welcomed as the new deputy mayor.

Coun Makinson will continue to support and raise money for charities TADS (Therapies for Anxiety, Depression and Stress) and Beacon South Yorkshire.

She said: “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to continue my role as Mayor of Barnsley for 2021-22.

“So far, my role as mayor has been a privilege and a challenge in equal measures.

“The pandemic has stopped me from attending functions, events, holding civic events and greatly impacted on fundraising opportunities for my charities.

“We’ve worked tirelessly to plan and deliver virtual events and activities, such as my virtual raffle and virtual coffee morning - but I can’t wait to be able to safely meet people face-to-face and get back out there into our communities.

“My chosen charities have taken a real knock throughout the pandemic, and I hope to help as much as possible through future fundraising activities I hope I can do them proud.

“I am also continuing with my theme of children and young people.

“Despite the immense challenges and disruptions faced by our young people over the last year, they have shown incredible resilience and have really done us proud.

“They now deserve all the support we can offer them to achieve the best they can, grow and thrive.

“As restrictions lift, we can start rebuilding Barnsley and with our spirit and resilience, we will come back stronger than ever, and I can’t wait to be part of this.”