The ancient title will disappear when Berwick Borough Council is dissolved next spring with the chief citizen from then on being elected by the new town council.

Hazel, whose husband Frank will be her Consort during her year in office, is well aware of the historic role she is about to take on.

She said: "I know only too well that this will be the last mayor of this historic borough so it means an awful lot to me and I will be carrying out the role to the best of my ability.

"I am nervous about it but also looking forward to it because it's a great honour for someone from a working class background like me."

She is anticipating a hectic year of civic engagements but is looking forward to meeting as many people as possible during her 12 month term.

"It's going to be a difficult year in some respects with it being the final year of the borough council so I'll be doing everything I can to support staff and help towards setting up the new authority," she said.
Ian and Maude Hay from Low Greens will be the Sheriff and Sheriff's Lady.

"They are two very special people in my life," admitted Hazel.

"At the age of 16 Ian once said 'I wish I had a daughter like you' and he's been stuck with me ever since!

"They are like my adopted mum and dad.

"My own mum is dead and my dad lives in America but they have been there for me and my family for many years."

Hazel has two sons — Adam, who is 20 and Carl-James, 16 and a daughter, Keeley, who is 31.

She has two grandchildren through Adam, Corri who is two and seven month-old Tiana.

She also has a nine year-old granddaughter, Alex, through Keeley.
Hazel is originally from Newcastle but was a frequent visitor to Berwick for childhood holidays and fell in love with it.

"It's 25 years now since I came here to train as a nurse at Berwick Infirmary and I've never wanted to leave," she said.
Hazel set up the Aberwicke Residential Home in Spittal for adults with learning disabilities 17 years ago.

She also works part-time as a lecturer in life skills at HM Prison at Acklington.

"I love helping people and I like working with the disabled and children," she revealed.

"For the past 10 years I have pushed to get domestic violence recognised and helped set up the Cease 24 project which has been a huge success."

Hazel has represented the Spittal ward since 1999 and has just been elected to serve Lower Spittal on the newly formed town council.

She said: "My aim on the new council and during my year in office is to try and put Berwick on the map in the best possible way."