A South Woodham Ferrers councillor has been appointed new mayor of Chelmsford.

Tory Christopher Stephenson vowed to spend his year as mayor working closely with the young and elderly.

The mayor, 48, of Hawthorn Walk, who will take over from Mike McRory in May, said he was thrilled: "I was very excited when I first found out but I have come down to earth now.

"I think it will involve a lot more work but I am sure I will enjoy it. I am a traditionalist and love pageantry."

Mr Stephenson, who has been a councillor for South Woodham for 16 years, said he wanted to take his role as mayor out to young people.

He added: "I remember when I was young and I saw the mayor. I thought he was such a big person."

"I also want to take spend a lot of time with the elderly and reminisce about the time that they were young."

Picture, top: Mayor - Mr Stephenson and deputy Maureen Mouldes

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