WARRINGTON'S seven newly-elected councillors have been sworn in to public office.

They were joined at an official ceremony at the Town Hall by the 12 councillors who successfully defended their seats in the local elections earlier this month.

The borough council's chief executive Diana Terris and solicitor Cecilia Rathe outlined to them their responsibilites and duties as councillors to the people of Warrington.

They were also taken through the constitution and given an information pack containing things like the contact details of key officers in every council department and details of committees that members can sit on, as well as stationary and headed paper.

The council's photographer also took pictures of each new member for their ID cards.

The new councillors are: Jo Crotty (LD-Bewsey and Whitecross), Kevin Bennet (LAB-Fairfield and Howley), Paul Kennedy (CON-Hatton, Stretton and Walton), Paul Campbell (CON-Penketh & Cuerdley), Kevin Reynolds (LD-Whittle Hall), Elaine Welborn (LD-Grappenhall and Thelwall) and Tony McCarthy (LAB-Rixton and Woolston).

Clr Kennedy said: "It was a very well done induction. It lasted about three hours and it felt good to be there and become an officially signed-up member of the council."

Councillors have also been taken on a tour of the borough although most will already be familiar with their wards having lived in them for some time.

The first meeting of the new-look borough council takes place at the town hall on Monday.