Earlier this week, Grantham gained a new mayor in Dean Ward.

The chains of office were finally handed over from Adam Stokes, who had served an extended term of 18 months due to the pandemic.

For this long-serving South Kesteven district councillor, who also sits on Lincolnshire County Council, the pandemic and its lockdown certainly left its mark in dominating everything.

But taking a look at Adam's earlier days, the 36-year-old was born in Nottingham and lived in Arnold until he was six, when the family moved to Grantham as his dad found a job here.

Adam's dad is Ian Stokes, another councillor and also a former mayor of Grantham, who as Nub News reported this week, was elected deputy chairman of South Kesteven District Council.

Arriving in Grantham, Adam attended the primary school at Gonerby Hill Foot, with his secondary schooling done at Central School where the Priory Ruskin Academy is today. He then completed his A-Levels at Grantham College and a degree in Accountancy both locally and at Lincoln University.

Adam told Nub News: "I work in the Family Business which definitely has its benefits and we have many clients throughout the town.

"I was elected to South Kesteven District Council in 2011 after first being elected to Lincolnshire County Council in 2009.

"I have always been interested in Politics I was even canvassing in Gedling in my buggy!! So it is something that I have been involved in most of my life. I find it really fantastic to be able to resolve issues for the local residents."

When not busy with council work or accountancy, Adam played darts in the local league, until the lockdown stopped the games.

He also watches Grantham Town Football Club and is also a fan of Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey Club.

At SKDC, Adam represents the Grantham Springfield ward and is cabinet member for Finance and Resources. Helping gain support for economic regeneration for Grantham is part of his work.

He continued: "The Hospital is a massive issue that I know myself and colleagues are trying hard to get things returned to the town. Also definitely the High Street and the recovery from Covid."

Looking back at his 18 months as mayor, Adam said: "It has been the strangest year. I had a fantastic start up to November with great events such as a trip on the Duck in the Carnival. That was an amazing piece of engineering from the War.

"Then we had the General Election before the devastating Covid situation which will take a very long time to recover from. It has been very challenging because of this.

"My charities this year were the Grantham Disabled Children's Society, Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance and also the RAF Regiment Museum- all of which are getting a decent amount of donations despite the challenges of having to cancel two events that I was planning."

And now looking forward, Adam added: "I would like to wish Dean every success. He will be fantastic, that I have no doubt. He has supported me throughout with enthusiasm and he will bring that to the role."

"I would like to say to everyone keep safe and together we will rid this country of covid."

Dean's mayor-making can be read here and a similar profile of Grantham's new mayor can be read here.