Curtain down on year of memories; Today, one of Liverpool's most successful Lord Mayors will hand over the ceremonial chain to one of the city's biggest political figures, reports City Editor David Bartlett.

Byline: David Bartlett 

THERE is no doubting Steve Rotheram has been one of the most successful Lord Mayors Liverpool has ever had.

In his year as first citizen, he raised a record-breaking pounds 600,000 for good causes and attended more than 2,000 events.

The Liverpool FC fan was also a strong figurehead for the city when it came together for the 20th anniversary of Hillsborough, using part of the money raised to release a record in memory of the 96 who lost their lives.

He lists meeting the Queen twice, attending the Paul McCartney concert at Anfield, meeting presidents, the Prime Minister, and ambassadors as highlights of his year.

But he said: "I think the local visits have been the funniest.

Some of the school visits I've done sent me away with a great high.

"The schools I have visited made me very proud of our kids.

"I've really enjoyed it. I never doubted for a second it's the best thing." And, despite being so busy during the year, he says he has probably seen more of his wife, Sandra, than before because she has accompanied him to many of the events.

Although his children Hayley, 13, Samantha, 11, and son Stephen, 17, are looking forward to spending more time with their father.

From the outset of his year in office, he made clear the most significant date in his diary would be April 15 - the 20th anniversary of Hillsborough.

"I worked to do as much as I could as the first citizen to ensure it was marked in the right way.

"I'm pleased 30,000 turned out to Anfield and both the Cathedrals were full for the memorial services." Although he was at Anfield for the day, he says he would have liked to have seen with his own eyes the way the city came to a standstill as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives.

"It showed what I think was the real message from the day -that we will never forget the 96." As part of the activities to mark the anniversary, he helped fund a record to raise money for the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

His huge fund-raising effort also meant the Marina Dalglish appeal, Alzheimer's Society, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and the Alder Hey Children's Hospital Imagine Appeal all received cheques for more than pounds 100,000.

But what received less publicity is the residual pot of money he set aside for Liverpool causes.

The Lord Mayor's charity gave the family of murdered builder Gary Dunne pounds 5,000 to help meet the costs of flying his body home in March, following a three-year battle.

And Cllr Rotheram also helped the Walking with Giants Foundation set up by the family of Alex Connerty, who, at just 30ins tall, suffers from primordial dwarfism.

"It was not me helping them, it was the generosity of the people of Liverpool," said Cllr Rotheram.

He has discovered just how vital volunteers are to many organisations operating across the city.

"I found every single organisation has volunteers propping them up. Liverpool is basically run by volunteers and their goodwill." Council leader Warren Bradley said Cllr and Mrs Rotheram had been "fabulous" throughout the year. Steve has acquitted himself brilliantly and been an excellent public face for Liverpool." Throughout, he has tried to be totally impartial, which extended to cheering both Liver pool and Everton when attending matches..

Liverpool fan Cllr Rotheram said: "I have to admit, when Dan Gosling scored in the Merseyside derby, I thought 'Oh my God'.

"It was difficult, but I wanted to be impartial." [e-mail]

CAPTION(S):

Above, Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Rotheram modelling clothes from Cricket; and, below, donning gold high heels for the White Ribbon Campaign's 'Walk a Mile in her Shoes' day