The new Mayor of Gravesham has been appointed for the coming year.

Cllr Peter Scollard, who has been a councillor for Northfleet North ward since 2015, was chosen at the council's annual meeting on Tuesday.

In his installation speech, he thanked outgoing Mayor Cllr Lyn Milner for her leading role in helping the borough emerge from Covid restrictions and return to a more normal life, saying she would be a hard act to follow.

Born in Barking and raised in Romford, as a young boy Cllr Scollard helped out on the family fruit and veg stall at Romford market where he said he quickly learned the importance of community.

After leaving school he worked as a junior chef at a stately home.

He said: "At first they didn’t want me as I was too short to reach the pots and pans on the shelves, but my mum phoned and convinced them I was a hard worker."

He went on to become head chef at Barking Town Hall. Nine years of working and travelling abroad followed, before he settled in Northfleet. He has two children, Ethan and Jorja.

In 2011, Cllr Scollard became part of Northfleet Big Local which received funding to run resident-led projects to improve the community, and then started the Seven Avenues Residents’ Association, putting on events to bring residents together and raising funds to create a new park for children in Huntley Avenue.

The following year he founded the No Walls Gardens CIC aimed at working with ex-offenders, the long-term unemployed and adults with learning difficulties on gardening projects to bring back pride to a deprived urban area, as well as providing free fruit and veg for residents, and creating two new community gardens.

Accepting the role of Mayor, Cllr Scollard said: “In 2015, I became a councillor for Northfleet North ward where No Walls is based, and have gained a much greater understanding of the issues affecting the whole borough.

“Covid-19 and now the current energy crisis have hit many people hard and the pressures of day-to-day life are increasing.

“As your Mayor and with the support of my Mayoress, I would like to continue the great work Cllr Lyn Milner has done this past year and support local groups and organisations in encouraging people to get outside, enjoy their community and come together to celebrate its achievements.

“I hope to raise awareness of those organisations that work with the most vulnerable and promote well-being for our residents.”

The Mayor’s charities for the year are ellenor, Age UK North West Kent, and Home-Start.

Cllr Scollard added: “It is an immense honour to be here tonight as your Mayor, and a long way from the Romford market boy considered too small to work in a kitchen. I hope I do you proud.”

Julie Easy will be his Mayoress for the year. Cllr John Caller was appointed as Deputy Mayor.