Dartford has a brand new mayor – and it is the third time he has been elected.

Cllr Ian Armitt became the 37th mayor of the borough at an annual meeting of the council yesterday taking over from Cllr Avtar Sandhu.

He is only the second councillor in the history of the borough to be accorded the honour three times.

Cllr Armitt, who also stood as mayor in 2005–6 and 2008–9, said he intends to focus on the development of the town centre, promoting the arts, and to get local schools interested in aspects of local government.

He will be supported by his wife Lynne as Mayoress, who added that she is also looking forward to “what promises to be a rewarding and interesting year”.

The deputy mayor will be Cllr John Burrell and he will be supported by his wife Eija as deputy mayoress.

The mayor is also a Darenth Parish Councillor. Having been first elected in 2003, he is the current vice-chairman of the council.

He has chosen Darent Valley Hospital’s Lollipop Fund to support this year. Details of the Charity Appeal are available at www.dartford.gov.uk/mayor

Follow the new mayor on Twitter @MayorofDartford and Facebook at www.facebook.com/mayorofdartford

Residents, organisations, and businesses can request the mayor’s attendance at their event by calling 01322 343402.