Councillor John Driver has become the new Maldon Town Mayor.

The appointment was made at the Council's Annual Meeting of the Town Council on Monday, May 12.

Cllr John Driver represents Maldon West Ward and has been the Deputy Mayor for the past civic year. He succeeds outgoing Mayor, Cllr Andrew Kay.

Mrs Denise Driver, Cllr Drivers Wife, will serve as Mayoress.

Councillor James Burrell-Cook has also been appointed as Deputy Town Mayor and his husband, Paul Burrell-Cook as his Consort.

The appointment ceremony included the new Mayor signing the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office and receiving the mayoral robes.

He was also presented with the badge of office, civic regalia and coins of the Town by the departing Mayor.

The Deputy Mayor received the deputy mayoral robe and badge of office, and the outgoing Town Mayor and Mayoress were presented with a badge and a photo.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Driver expressed his gratitude to the Council for their vote of confidence in electing him as Town Mayor.

He said: "Maldon is a wonderful and unique historic Town, and I am honoured and proud to serve the community.

"I would like to thank the retiring Town Mayor Councillor Andrew Lay for all of his hard work during his three years in office.

"I would also like to congratulate Cllr Burrell-Cook on his appointment as Deputy Town Mayor and to thank him for his dedication, experience and commitment to Maldon.'

Action for Family Carers and Dementia UK have been selected by the new Town Mayor as his designated charities for this mayoral year.

The Mayor's role includes acting as a Chairman of the Town Council and as the Civic Ambassador for the town.