THE new chairman of Kent County Council has pledged to help raise the profile of a Kent children's charity during his year in office.

County councillor Leyland Ridings (Con) was elected as KCC chairman at the authority's annual meeting on Thursday by fellow councillors.

He said he wanted to use his year in the role to help raise funds for the Kent Children's Trust, a charity which helps disadvantaged youngsters.

"I would like to help looked-after children, who are one of the most deprived groups in the country, to see what funds could be directed towards improving their lot," said Mr Ridings, who represents Sandwich and is a former cabinet member for education.

The charity is known for its work helping disabled young children and others disavantaged by their individual circumstances to enjoy activities or hobbies they might otherwise not have a chance to do.

Mr Ridings, a former Pilot Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, also plans to mark the work of those serving in the armed forces by holding special receptions for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the county's cadets.

In addition to his work as a county councillor, Mr Ridings is active in a number of other organisations. He is a governor of Sandwich Technology College and Canterbury Christchurch University and serves as a magistrate in east Kent.

He is a member of the Royal British Legion and a trustee of the Channel Theatre Company. He succeeds Romney Marsh member Cllr Fred Wood-Brignall, who stood down.

Sevenoaks county councillor Peter Lake was elected vice-chairman of the council.