The youngest ever Mayor of Derry has said that his year in office will see the city “getting off its knees” and looking to the future with positivity and confidence.

SDLP councillor Colum Eastwood (27) took over the chain of office from outgoing Sinn Fein Mayor Paul Fleming in front of around 100 invited guests at the Guild Hall last night.

Among his first official engagements will be to speak to families following the publication of the long awaited Saville Report next Tuesday (June 15).

The former St Columb’s College student said: “This year will be huge for Derry. Next week we will see the long overdue Saville Report. It will be a massive event in this city with much of the world’s media focused on here.

“But it will also be a very difficult and emotional day for many people.

”As Mayor I will offer any support that I can give on behalf of the people of Derry.”