The Mayor

Colleen Walker is the 10th woman to hold the position since 1702.

She says her husband Brian, a borough councillor for Magadalen ward since 1979, led her to politics and fittingly it was he who put the nomination.

Mrs Walker, 61, said: “I look forward to this year and all it promises to bring, and I give you my assurances I will do all I can to make you proud.”

The Claydon ward councillor is already facing one of the busiest years of public celebration, with local plans in motion for the London 2012 Olympic games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

But having been chairman of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, borough council portfolio holder for the environment, Norfolk County Council chairman during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee year and a panel member on the Police Authority she says she is up to the challenge.

The grandmother extended her thanks to friends, family and colleagues at Asda - a job she is putting on hold for her mayoral year.