Life as a journalist can be hectic at the best of times, but for reporter Donald Nannestad the past year has been busier than most, as he is also Mayor of Lincoln.

Donald began his year in office last May, and by the time his term comes to an end in June he will have performed 400 duties, from touring local schools to visiting the House of Commons.

Donald Nannestad

He said: "It has been extremely interesting, visiting different places, but it is also hard work. You have always got to be ready and can't afford to be late."

Lincoln-based Donald, (46), has been a journalist for the past 25 years, starting out as a trainee reporter on the Lincolnshire Chronicle in 1978.

He also worked for the Sheffield Morning Telegraph as a district reporter, first at its Chesterfield office and then in Barnsley, before joining Raymonds Press Agency in Lincoln in 1985, where he works today.

During his year in office Donald has continued to work full-time, fitting his mayoral role into his 'spare' time.

And when not performing his civic duties he can be found in the press box at crown court, or reporting on Lincoln City FC or Boston United.

Donald is not unfamiliar with juggling his time, as since 1994 he has been a city councillor, representing Castle Ward for the Labour Party.

He said: "The most senior councillor who hasn't been Mayor before gets offered the role every year. If you turn it down you don't get another chance so I decided to go for it.

"I've basically got to fit 400 events into time off in lieu and holidays - but it has worked so far!"

He has also written two books with his brother Ian, one charting the history of Lincoln City FC and another about its players, as well as an earlier booklet on the history of Barnsley Labour Party.

He also edited the Lincoln City match day programme for five years before becoming deputy mayor in 2002.

As part of his Mayoral role Donald this week paid a visit to Bradford to mark the anniversary of the Valley Parade fire disaster, which saw 56 fans killed during a match between Bradford City and Lincoln City in May 1985.

The visit is an annual duty taken on by each serving mayor, but it took on even greater significance for Donald as he was at the Valley Parade ground as a spectator when the tragedy happened, and this year signed a Friendship Agreement to formalise the link between the two cities.

He said: "A lot of people were affected by what happened and the fire was witnessed by thousands of people - I think the ground was virtually full that day.

"People from both cities died and this is an important link for Bradford and Lincoln to keep up."

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