Medway's new mayor marked his arrival with a get tough pledge on anti-social behaviour.

Cllr David Carr follows in a long line of first citizens appointed in Rochester, a tradition that stretches back to 1462.

In his acceptance speech at Medway Council’s annual meeting on Wednesday Cllr Carr (Con) pledged to fight for a community free from graffiti, crime, litter, and the threat of bad behaviour.

“I am intent on making Medway a better place to live,” he said.

Cllr Carr said he had a hard act to follow in Cllr Val Goulden (Lab).

She was praised by councillors and council chaplain, Canon Philip Hesketh, who said: “She has a human touch, and that has been good for the office of Mayor and for Medway.

Mrs Goulden revealed she had raised over £34,500 - thought to be a record - for eight charities during her civic year.

For full report see Friday’s print edition of the Medway Messenger