At 32, and proudly showing off his multiple tattoos, Ashfield District Council chairman Dale Grounds is not the usual civic leader.

Whether it’s abseiling at great heights, becoming a mocktail waiter for the elderly at a care home, or taking a brave boy on police patrol dressed as Spiderman, the campaigning councillor is determined to be a different type of council chairman.

Dale and his chairman’s consort, partner Laura Ingram, have hit the ground running as the civic heads of the council.

He has already attended more than 40 events and is raising money for Ducklings, a hospital school at Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), Nottingham, which his son, Reece, benefited from, and Enlighten The Shadows, a charity that aims to help men with their depression and anxiety in an effort to end male suicide.

Dale, an Ashfield Independent councillor, wants to use his position to champion community causes.

He first got involved in charity work when Reece, now 13, was diagnosed with autism. Dale started to dress as Spiderman to cheer up poorly children at QMC.

Now Dale is often seen dressed as Spiderman, complete with his chairman’s ceremonial chains, at various events across the district.

A councillor who represents Kingsway and part of Kirkby, he said: “I am really enjoying my year as chairman. I’d like to think I am a different type of council chairman than people expect.

“No day is ever the same. One day I could be chairing an important council meeting, another I could be abseiling to raise awareness for good causes, or on another I might be raising the flag for Armed Forces Day.

“I’ve had some amazing days. I’ve already met so many community champions — people who make a difference to their community.

“The saddest day was laying flowers on behalf of the community of Ashfield following the murder of three people in Nottingham in June.”

Dale said his favourite moments came when he made brave Mansfield youngster Harley Dargue his ‘deputy chairman’ for a day.

Dale has been visiting Harley, who has had a kidney transplant, for eight years, dressed as Spiderman.

He took Harley to inspect council bin lorries, go on patrol with Ashfield Police, meet council staff, and road test soft play equipment and play table tennis at Kirkby Leisure Centre.

Dale also became a mocktail waiter for the day at a River Cruise Festival at Buddleia House, Hucknall, and abseiled at Mill Waters, Sutton, to raise awareness of the planned water sports hub and restaurant at King’s Mill Reservoir.

He added: “I’d like to think I bring a different type of style to the job as council chairman. I see my job as a civic head to help sell everything that is great about Ashfield.

“I’ve loved my first few months of my year in chains and can’t wait to continue this job that I am so privileged to do.”

To invite Dale to your event as chairman of Ashfield District Council, email [email protected] or call 01623 450000.