The mayor of North Tyneside has said she is "shocked and delighted" at receiving a damehood in the New Year's Honours list.
Dame Norma Redfearn CBE is one of the region's most senior Labour Party figures and became mayor in 2013 after taking over from Conservative Linda Arkley. The Wallsend-born former head teacher and passionate community advocate has been officially recognised as part of this year’s New Year’s Honour list for her work in political and public service.
Dame Norma said: “I am shocked and delighted to have received this prestigious award and recognition, I don’t think it has quite sunk in yet. It is wonderful to be recognised for a job that I have been elected to do by the residents of North Tyneside, a borough, its communities, and neighbourhoods that I am incredibly proud to serve each and every day.
