THE new chairman of Malvern Hills District Council has been elected for the year ahead.

Cllr Mike Morgan was chosen to take over from cllr Roger Sutton and the vice chairman will be cllr Barbara Williams.

Cllr Morgan, who announced his chosen charities for the year will be the Sea Cadets and Eco-Families (Malvern), said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to be chairman at such a crucial time for our district, and I would like to thank cllr Sutton for all he achieved last year.

"I look forward to a positive challenge in the year ahead.”

The outgoing chairman, cllr Sutton said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support while I was chairman.

"I have been impressed and inspired by the people, the businesses and organisations I have come into contact with during the last 12 months and I feel confident that residents will continue to get the best service possible from the council under the chairmanship of councillor Morgan.”

The leader of the council is cllr David Hughes and the deputy leader is cllr Paul Swinburn.