A SON of Stevenston is now the Ceremonial Mayor for the City of Salford.

Former Hayocks Primary and Auchenharvie Academy pupil Charlie McIntyre, pictured, will hold the position for a year and an illustrious career in nursing and helping others has led him in to politics.

One of six siblings born to Susan and Bert in Stevenston, Charlie described himself as an ‘average pupil’ who attended Ayr Technical College after leaving school before spending the next two years as a Mormon Missionary, fulfilling strong religious beliefs and expectations by fulfilling a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Charlie later qualified as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at Ayrshire and Arran Health Authority and, to avoid the shame, to his church and family, of being homosexual went back to Manchester, the only place he knew outside Scotland.

He then went to work at Prestwich Hospital to specialise in Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Care. He became Northwest Chair for ANSA (Association of Nursing in Substance Abuse) and adding venepuncture, HIV/AIDS testing and Counselling,

During this time he met Tim and after five years in a loving relationship it was time for a family home and a new professional endeavour - one in Salford and the other at East Lancashire Health Authority.

Charlie continued his NHS career as Practice Mental Health Nurse in the doctor’s surgery on Bloom Street; a gay GP surgery established and owned by his partner, Tim.

During his time there he won awards for his work in hepatitis screening and counselling practice. He also won an award from Depression Alliance, for treatment and patient care in depression. He qualified with Diploma in Health Education at Manchester Metropolitan University and BSc Psychotherapeutic Interventions at Salford University.

Charlie enjoys a quiet life with Tim, his partner of 29 years. They enjoy art, the theatre, good food and drink and holidays to France.

Congratulations, Charlie from all at the Herald.