A NEW mayor says the death of his wife earlier this year has inspired him to make the most of the position.

Councillor Bill Lambert, 70, was elected mayor of Gravesham at the annual council meeting on Tuesday (May 11) after serving as deputy mayor for the past year.

His wife Margaret died suddenly aged 67 in January following heart problems, and he says her passion for becoming mayoress will spur him on to do his best as mayor.

Cllr Lambert, who represents the Riverview ward and lives in Frobisher Way in Gravesend, said: “Margaret had been looking forward to becoming mayoress.

“Being mayor would have been much better with her by my side as she was very passionate and gregarious, but I will still do my best as I know she would want me to. “ Cllr Lambert, who had been married to Margaret for nearly 47 years, has six grandchildren and says the focus of his time as mayor will be supporting young people.

He said: “I’m going to support the borough’s Scouts and Guides groups, as well as youth clubs, and encourage young people to play sport.

“Also, with the 2012 Olympics not being far away, I will be helping the people of Gravesham get the most out of being so close to the Games.”

Among the long list of organisations Cllr Lambert is involved with are the Territorial Army (TA) and DGSM yourChoice, a local charity for people with learning difficulties.

In 2001 he was awarded the MBE for his service to the TA and charities.