An annual council meeting has elected the new Mayor of Tunbridge Wells.

Councillor Julian Stanyer has become the new Mayor succeeding Dr. Ronen Basu.

The new mayor is the Conservative ward member for Speldhurst and Bidborough and has lived in Langton Green with his wife for the past 28 years.

During his year of office Councillor Basu raised money for Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource.

Totals are still being counted but it seems likely that the final amount will be in excess of £17,000.

Cllr Basu described his time as mayor as fantastic. He said: "I loved it, it’s been a fantastic year and the public have been tremendous, so friendly everywhere we’ve been."

Cllr Stanyer has chosen Burrswood Hospital, Groombridge as the charity he will support during his time as Mayor. He said: "It is absolutely unique. It receives no government funding and survives with the help of 170 volunteers.

"I believe it deserves more financial support and I will be doing all I can to support its fundraising activities.

"I also want to help the charity make itself better known to the wider community. I am absolutely thrilled that it is to be my charity for the year."