Cranbrook has a new honorary Mayor-elect.

The town has chosen Linda Page to follow in the footsteps of businessman Phil Mummery who was Cranbrook's first honorary mayor back in February this year.

Sadly Mr Mummery died within a few weeks of taking up the position and the role has been vacant since.

The post has no official standing, but is intended both as a recognition for someone who has done exceptional work for the Cranbrook community and to provide a public figure to encourage future community involvement.

Mrs Page was proposed by the Cranbrook Apple Fair committee.

Kim Fletcher, chairman of Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council, said: "It's impossible to think of anyone more suited for the role than Linda.

"She has led the town to silver gilt and gold prizes in the Cranbrook in Bloom competition. She's run a pony polo club, winning prizes all over the place. She has previously served as a parish councillor and, as the owner of the local newsagents, she has given countless young people their first jobs and she is known by everybody."

Mrs Page has run Page's newsagents in the High Street for the past 45 years, starting when she was 21. It has been at its present location for the past three decades.

Her selection was praised by Cranbrook businessman Howard Cox of Rammell Mews who said: "She is a splendid choice. Immensely popular, dedicated to the town, and at the heart of the serial award-winning Cranbrook in Bloom too.

"There is no doubt with her vital retail business experience, she will bring energy and enthusiasm, but above all some fun, to a town that needs it in bucket loads during these difficult times."

Mrs Page herself said: "I'm keen to do everything I can to promote the town, especially in these difficult times with Covid.

"But Phil Mummery will be a very hard act to follow."

Mrs Page was due to be inducted in her new role at the town's annual Apple Fair scheduled for this Saturday. Sadly Covid has caused the apple fair to be cancelled and the ceremony has been put on hold.

Mr Fletcher said: "It's difficult. As a parish council we are having all our meetings on zoom at the moment.

"But as soon as we can arrange a physical get-together for Linda we will."