IT’S been a busy three months since Cllr Keith Orrell was sworn in as York’s 801st Lord Mayor at the official ceremony in May.

Since then, Cllr Orrell and the civic party have attended almost 150 engagements, including the ceremony to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the NHS - compered by Linda Nolan - which both took place at the Minster.

Church services for York’s medieval guilds have played an important part in the mayorship, as well as community events -ranging from fun runs to fayres, school visits and Rotary events - organised by volunteers across the city.

Cllr Orrell, the long-serving Liberal Democrat councillor for Huntington & New Earswick, said: “It has been an amazing three months which have flown by. All the engagements we have been to have had something special about them in very different ways.

“The community events we attend are always fascinating and we appreciate the wonderful work voluntary groups do to enhance the life of our city.

“One unexpected aspect has been the two months of intense heat which, when wearing the civic robes, has been difficult.”

During the past three months, the Mansion House has also played host to international visitors from China, Munster and Norway.

All this and Cllr Orrell has still found time in his hectic schedule to promote his chosen charities - The Island, York Music Hub and York Blind and Partially Sighted Society - and his increasing concerns about the use of single-use plastics.

He said: “Whenever possible I have pushed our message about single-use plastics.

“On our school visits it has been encouraging to see many children carrying reusable water bottles.”

To promote this message further, Cllr Orrell recently visited eco-friendly York shop, Owl & Monkey, on Heslington Road and joined University of York senior researcher Gary Haq for the launch of his environment book.

Sheriff Verna Campbell added: “The highlights for me was the Assize of Ale, where many people joined me to go to pubs around the city carrying out the traditional ‘testing the ale’. This raised over £2,000 for our charities.

If you would like the civic party to attend a function contact the civic office well in advance on

01904 553 979 or fill in the form at www.york.gov.uk