Time for a mayoral pampering day. Reporter ANNE-MARIE BRADLEY follows Kirklees Mayor Clr Jean Calvert as she gets herself ready to take to the catwalk

NOT MANY jobs see you having lunch with the Queen on your first day.

But for Jean Calvert it was all in a day’s work as the newly-appointed Mayor of Kirklees.

The 53-year-old has had little time to rest since taking up her role in May, juggling some 115 public engagements so far with work and family life.

Now the Ashbrow councillor is preparing to strut her stuff on the catwalk to help raise thousands for her chosen charity, the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust.

Jean will join models at the Mayor of Kirklees Fashion Show at Huddersfield Town Hall on October 4 to raise money and awareness about the charity.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to the show. My confidence this year has just grown and grown.”

We thought our hard-working mayor deserved a treat, so what better than to take her to the experts to get their advice for her catwalk debut.

Our first stop was Ruben’s hair salon on Westgate, where senior stylist Gareth Wall was waiting to give Jean an exciting new look for her starring role.

Weekly hairdresser trips have become the norm for Jean since becoming mayor, to keep her looking smart for her busy calendar of events.

But despite her well-kept barnet, Gareth persuaded her to go for the chop, adding length to her neck and creating a sharper look.

He said: “Everything these days is more chopped and defined, as opposed to two years ago, when it was longer and more shaggy.

“We’re going to keep the length towards the front so it still feels long, but go shorter at the back. This will make her look sharp and neat for when she goes to big events and help extend her posture.

“It will also help cut down her drying time, too.”

A shampoo, head massage and a slick of smoothing balm and thickening lotion later our mayor was delighted with her new look.

Next, make-up artist Jo Burke, from the Max Factor counter in Boots, provided top tips on creating a fresh, long-lasting finish to see Jean through all her public appearances.

Age-renew foundation was the key to getting a flawless look, ideal for more mature skins.

Jo said: “We don’t apply powder to more mature skin because it ages the skin by mattifying it. This foundation will give the skin a nice natural glow because it is dewy.”

Jo went for subtle tones around Jean’s eyes, incorporating soft brown eyeliner with neutral eyeshadow shades and glossy lips.

And to complete the look our mayor got the chance to practise her modelling skills with clothing from two fashion houses taking part in the charity show.

An eye-catching tunic with grey trousers and a red polo-neck and grey skirt were among the day outfits supplied by Vicki’s of Honley.

The shop in Church Street – owned by Vicki Shaw – has only been open a year but is already making an impact on fashion trends in the village. Vicki, also a much admired (and prize-winning) florist has brought her creative skills to fashion with a gem of a shop in Honley’s conservation area.

For the evening, Bellovita of Brighouse picked out two stunning gowns perfect for those dressier occasions. The home-run business provides exclusive evening wear to buy or hire and is owned by Michele Sargeant.

Mother-of-three Jean was delighted with her finished look.

“I’ve had a super day because I got a bit of time to myself, which was just what I needed.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself, wearing all these beautiful clothes. “I am really pleased with the length of my hair and will definitely use the make-up techniques.

“I love it all.”