A long-serving Grantham councillor was praised for her role as Chairman of South Kesteven District Council.

Former mayor Jacky Smith received the tributes after serving 18 months as council chairman, a role that was extended due to the pandemic.

Councillors at the Annual General Meeting yesterday also elected former Stamford Mayor Breda Griffin as Coun Smith's successor.

Such AGMs are usually held in May, but it was delayed and staged 'virtually' due to the pandemic.

Coun Ian Stokes, another former Grantham Mayor, was elected Vice-Chairman.

This was despite a push by opposition councillors to have Bourne councillor Helen Crawford as deputy to help ensure political balance in what are supposed to be non-political and largely ceremonial roles.

Peterborough-born Coun Griffin has lived in Ufford, Cambridgeshire for 30 years and Stamford for the past 30 years.

The former teacher taught economics, art and religious education at the former Exeter School off Empingham Road.

After retiring eight years ago, Coun Griffin then joined Stamford Town Council and South Kesteven District Council, elected to both as a Conservative. She represents Stamford All Saints on the district council and Stamford All Saints South on the town council.

At the AGM yesterday, Coun Griffin was proposed as chairman by Coun Mike Exton (Con- Stamford All Saints) and seconded by the outgoing chairman, Coun Jacky Smith (Con- Grantham St Wulfram's).

Coun Paul Wood (Ind-Viking) said of Coun Griffin: "She's done an excellent job of vice-chairman of the council."

Fellow Independent Phil Dilks (Deeping St James) said: "There are some members of the ruling group that command respect across the whole council."

After some members questioned how long Coun Griffin, who was elected unopposed, might serve due to such AGM's typically being held in May, council leader Kelham Cooke confirmed that Coun Griffin would be elected chairman for another year.

After the unanimous vote, Coun Griffin called for the councillors to 'look after each other.'

"I just hope that the friendships all go outside the four walls and we all look after each other."

Citing the pandemic, she added: "We need to be looking out for everybody."

Council leader Kelham Cooke then proposed a vote of thanks to Coun Jacky Smith, who in addition to attending and chairing council meetings, also attended 120 events.

Coun Smith also raised £1500 for the Alzheimers and Grantham's St Barnabas Hospice charities, fundraising which was limited by the pandemic.

Turning to his friend, Coun Cooke (Con- Casewick) added: "I was truly privileged to be your consort."

Coun Jacky Smith replied the council leader had been an 'excellent' consort and then spoke of how the pandemic had affected the council, praising staff and councillors.

She said: "We have all battened down and did as much as we could to ensure the council could continue."