IRISHMAN James Porter pledged to devote himself to uniting communities after he was sworn in as Bicester’s new mayor.

Keen archer Mr Porter has nominated Katharine House Hospice, in Adderbury, and Serv, a team of biker volunteers who deliver blood between hospitals, as his charities for the year.

Over the next 12 months he wants to engage with teenagers and young people and help showcase their talents, and promote the town as a great place to live.

Mr Porter said: “Bicester is a rich mix of cultures, so my theme is about celebrating and applauding our differences and showing how much we have and can achieve by working together.

“I especially want to showcase the talents and good things that our local young people do to help bring people from all walks of life together. Nationally these are challenging times and it’s the same for Bicester. But there are lots of opportunities too.

“Without destroying our heritage or sense of a Bicester community, I am determined to promote our town locally, regionally and nationally to make sure growing Bicester is a place where people choose to live, work and bring up their families.

“I am proud to live in Bicester and I am honoured to become mayor.” Keen environmentalist Mr Porter, 58, was born in Belfast, and grew up there during “the troubles”.

He went on to study education at Queens University in Belfast.

He moved to Bicester seven years ago and became a town councillor three years ago.

Mr Porter is married to Lesley and works as a policy development and strategy manager for a Buckinghamshire council.

In his spare time he is involved in green projects, previously helping to set up a environment interpretation and education centre in High Wycombe.

He is also vice chairman of Wycombe Youth Action, which promotes young people volunteering in the community.

Mr Porter takes the mayor’s mantle from Pauline Liddington.