Councillor Julie Laidlow, Christchurch Ward, Independent

I have lived in Cockermouth all my life. I have two grown up children and five grand-children – all still living in Cockermouth.

I owned Firns Homehardware on Station Street for 8.5 years but sadly closed down following Covid. I am now the manager of Cumbria Cerebral Palsy Charity Shop on Station Street. I really love my job as every day is different.

I have been chair of Cockermouth Children’s Carnival Committee for 25 years, involved in the Town Twinning between Cockermouth and Marvejols and I am part of the Europe Prize Scholarship Fund Panel.

I was elected as a Town Councillor in 2011 and I am extremely privileged to have served as Mayor three times before 2015/16, 2019/20 and 2020/21. During my terms of office, I have met so many people from many different walks of life. I’m sure the next 12 months are going to be just as enriching and enjoyable. I am really looking forward to it.

My chosen charities for this year are the Europe Prize Scholarship Fund and Cumbria Cerebral Palsy.