The new Mayor of Tunbridge Wells has been appointed.

At the annual meeting of the council on Wednesday, councillor David Elliott was elected for the new municipal year.

Councillor Elliott has been Conservative ward member for Southborough North for the past eight years and has lived in the area for over 30 years.

Before taking early retirement he worked for the Environment Agency.

An active member of the local community he has been Assistant District Commissioner in the Scouts and the chairman of a local residents’ association.

His best friend on the council, former councillor Mrs June Crowhurst will be accompanying him as Mayoress during his term of office.

It is customary for the Mayor to support a charity and Councillor Elliott has chosen ellenor for his year of office, focusing on the hospice care they give to children and young people in the family home.

Outgoing Mayor, councillor Julian Stanyer, congratulated councillor Elliott on his appointment and spoke of the wonderful year he had enjoyed. He concluded by presenting a cheque for £14,000 to his chosen charity Burrswood.

The new Deputy Mayor is councillor David Neve, Liberal Democrat ward member for St James’.