LOUGHTON has a new mayor after Cllr David Wixley was given the honour at the town council's annual meeting.

Mr Wixley received the chain of office from outgoing mayor Cllr Ken Angold-Stephens who thanked councillors and officers for their support during his term of office.

Mr Angold-Stephens also spoke about the numerous events he had attend in his year in office and the success of the inaugural Mayor’s Fun Run held on the Roding Valley Recreation Ground, which raised over £640 for the Dream Factory charity.

Mr Wixley said his new role was a great honour particularly as he had lived in Loughton since 1951.

He has been a town councillor since 2004 and is also a district councillor for the Loughton Residents Association.

Cllr Caroline Pond, a former chairman of Epping Forest District Council, was elected to serve as deputy mayor.