AN emotional farewell speech marked Rosemary Gilligan handing over the mayoral chain to Linda Silver.

Cllr Gilligan described her year of being the Hertsmere mayor as an enjoyable, yet difficult, one after the death of her mother.

She thanked the support and guidance of her mentors, as well as her father Tim, who was also a mayor of the borough, in 1990.

Cllr Gilligan said: “I have had a wonderful year and been kept very busy.

“I have had the opportunity to attend many events and meet so many people – it has been a real honour for me.

“My highlights of the year have included welcoming three members of royalty to the borough – the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Anne – and meeting all the volunteers who give up their time for the benefit of others, they really are a great credit to the community.”

She added: “Thank you to all those who have supported me over the last year, raised money for my charities and all in all made it so memorable. And a special thank you to all the local businesses which supported the civic dinner.”

The Shenley councillor, who has ME (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome), attended around 200 events in the year and helped raise more than �7,000 for her two chosen charities – RADAR and Action for ME.