Cllr Nick Geary has been chosen to be the next Mayor of Christchurch and will take up office on 18 May.

Born in Harrow, at the age of ten his family moved to Bournemouth, moving again to Mudeford, Christchurch six years later when his father worked at De Havillands.

After serving an engineering apprenticeship at Penny & Giles, Nick went on to form his own engineering business which he still runs in Christchurch.

As someone who has always been interested in local affairs, he has taken an active role in the community. He has been Chairman of the Christchurch Commoners Association, Vice Chairman of SAMRA and Chairman of a local political group.

He was elected onto Christchurch Borough Council in 1999 representing the Portfield Ward, and was Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the Technical Services Committee.  He is currently a councillor for North Highcliffe and Walkford Ward and Portfolio Holder for Transport.

He is a governor at Highcliffe School and has always supported and campaigned for the young people in the Borough, helping to secure a permanent home for the Lighthouse youth project.

He is a keen sailor and a member of Christchurch Sailing Club.  He also enjoys restoring old motor bikes in his spare time.

Cllr Geary will be supported during his year of office by his wife Gillian.

Following a decision made at the last Council meeting, the Deputy Mayor will now take office for the year before they become Mayor, instead of following their year as Mayor as has happened up until now.

The Council meeting therefore selected Cllr Mrs Sue Spittle as Deputy Mayor for the coming year and she will take up office as Mayor in 2011/12.

Cllr Mrs Spittle has held the office of Mayor once before in 2004/05.