NEWPORT’s new mayor says he wants to raise money and awareness for a UK cancer charity.

Councillor Cliff Suller, for Caerleon, was elected by city councillors to be the city’s first citizen for 2013/14 at a packed mayor-making ceremony in the civic centre.

Cllr Suller is to work throughout the next year to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support – coming after Cllr John Guy raised £20,000 for his chosen charities.

The annual general meeting of the council saw his wife, Christine Suller, become mayoress, while Cllr Trevor Watkins, of Tredegar Park, was appointed deputy.

Cllr Suller was born in Maesglas, going to local schools and Newport College of Technology, before spending much of his working life in the dock industry.

He moved to Caerleon 40 years ago – first joining Newport borough council in 1990, serving until 1999.

He was re-elected in 2004, lost his seat in 2008, and was re-elected in 2012.

Mrs Suller worked for the Vale of Glamorgan Health Authority for more than 25 years and is also a trustee of the Williams Charity.

She is a member of the Mothers’ Union of St Cadoc’s Church.

“I will do my utmost to make sure I maintain the standards set by my predecessors,” Cllr Suller told the chamber, thanking councillors for electing him.

After the meeting Cllr Suller told the Argus that he was delighted to take up the position.

As well as raising money for Macmillan Cancer Care he says he wants to raise awareness of the service in the city. “There’s a great deal of help that Macmillan nurses give, they serve the whole family and assist them in emotional times,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting as many of my citizens as I possibly can,” he added.

Former mayor Cllr John Guy raised £20,000 for his chosen charities, St David’s Hospice Care and the Alzheimer’s Society.