KENT County Council has elected a new chairman. He is Chris Capon who is also a Hythe Town councillor and Shepway District councillor. He has served on KCC since he became the Conservative member for Hythe 25 years ago.

Cllr Capon, who was born and lives in Hythe, is a retired postman. He was mayor of Hythe from 1972 to 1974 when he was also made Speaker of the Confederation of Cinque Ports.

He has been vice-chairman of the county council for two years.

He said: "It will be a great honour to serve the county as chairman of KCC and the first Hythe county councillor to be elected to the role.

"My thanks go to all the residents of Hythe. Without their support over the years I could not have achieved this honour."

Frank Gibson, conservative member for Gravesham rural takes over as vice-chairman.