Council's longest serving councillor to be elected Lord Mayor

Cllr Sawdon serves as a councillor for the Wainbody ward and was first elected to the Council at the age of 24 in 1974.

After serving as Deputy Lord Mayor last year, he becomes Lord Mayor of Coventry just ahead of Olympic football coming to Coventry alongside a number of other high profile Olympics events and projects.

"It goes without saying that to be elected Lord Mayor is a tremendous honour and a privilege," said Cllr Sawdon.

"This summer Coventry will be in the international spotlight as we'll be playing a big role in the Olympics, and the many events already planned are going to be incredibly important for the city and its people. I'm looking forward to doing all I can to help the city make the most of the opportunity to show the rest of the world what a great place Coventry is.

"As Deputy Lord Mayor and Deputy Lady Mayoress, myself and Nicky have already witnessed the huge contribution made to the life of our city by so many 'unsung heroes' who put so much time and effort into helping others. In these difficult times it is more important than ever that we do what we can to help those suffering hardship.

"That's why I'm going to work with the Heart of England Community Foundation to help fund community groups and organisations in the disadvantaged areas of our city.  Our initial beneficiaries will be Speakability and Get Together and more will be added as the fund grows."

Cllr Sawdon was born in Yorkshire and has a degree in Ophthalmic Optics from Bradford University, moving to Coventry in 1970 to complete his optical training. He became regional director for Dollond and Aitchison in 1981 and has run his own optician's practices since 1993.

Over the years he has held a number of key political positions in the Council and other citywide and regional organisations, including serving as Vice Chair of West Midlands Police Authority in 2009 and a Cabinet Member in the last Conservative administration. He is a Governor of Grange Farm Primary School and non executive director of the University Hospital Trust.

He has two children, John, who works for a local firm of chartered surveyors and Kate, who is physiotherapist working in London.

Nicky, who will become Lady Mayoress, is Personal Assistant to the President of the National Farmers Union in Stoneleigh.

People can donate to the Lord Mayor's charity at http://localgiving.com/charity/thecoventrylordmayorscommunityfund
or by sending a cheque payable to the 'Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal' to The Lord Mayor's Office, Council House, Earl Street, Coventry CV1 5RR

Cllr Gary Crookes will also be elected as Deputy Lord Mayor at the ceremony.  Cllr Crookes has served on the Council since 1995 and represents Wainbody Ward.  Born in Warrington, he is married to Shirley, who will become Deputy Lady Mayoress, and they have two grown up children and two grand daughters.