Mayor of Whitworth, Madeline de Souza's pride at Whitworth Community High School tour

Town Clerk Melanie Hearn, Mayor of Whitworth Madeline De Souza with Chairman of Governors Lila Towers and Headteacher Gill Middlemas

A guided tour of Whitworth Community High School was enjoyed by the new mayor of Whitworth councillor Madeline de Souza.

Accompanied by the Town Clerk Melanie Hearn, she was greeted by Headteacher Gill Middlemas, Chairman of Governors Lila Towers and Vice-Chairman Christine Wright before touring the school.

Councillor De Souza then joined students, who had made an outstanding contribution to the school, for a reward coffee morning.

She said: “I had been to the school sports hall as part of Whitworth Sports Festival but never to the main school.

“The feeling that the school has is so lovely; it is calm and welcoming. That also came through when I talked to the staff and students; it is lovely. I am so proud to have been invited to come. Being the Mayor is just the best job.”

The Mayor will also be invited to speak and present awards at the school’s awards’ evening at Rochdale Town Hall on 29 June.

Mrs Middlemas said: “It was a great pleasure to show the Mayor around our fantastic school and we are looking forward to welcoming her to our awards evening at Rochdale Town Hall.

“It’s very important that our young people see the important role the Mayor has in Whitworth, that they share her enthusiasm and civic pride, and realise they too can aspire to such roles in the community.”