Mayor's inauguration to be subtitled

Lesley Scott-Boutell, third from left, will become the 191st mayor of Colchester

Councillors will be able to follow the inauguration of a city's new mayor through live subtitles in what is believed to be a first in Essex.

Lesley Scott-Boutell is due to become the 191st person to be sworn in to the civic role in Colchester on Wednesday.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said she was "profoundly deaf" in her left ear and "severely deaf" in her right.

She said having subtitles running on a screen at the event would highlight how easy it was to be inclusive.

Subtitles will be provided by Stagetext, a charity for deaf, deafened and hard of hearing audiences.

'Break down barriers'

Mrs Scott-Boutell said people who struggle to hear, face their world shrinking around them.

"You learn to adapt and avoid situations which are too difficult, for example - noisy restaurants, meetings and shows.

"I’m in a fortunate position where I can speak to community leaders and decision makers, and I want to raise awareness and break down barriers and stereotypes."

The councillor will replace outgoing mayor John Jowers during the ceremony at Colchester Town Hall.

She chose her daughter, Jessica, as her mayoress for the year.