THERE were two important firsts for Redditch Council this week when Councillor Diane Thomas was appointed mayor by fellow councillors.

Mrs Thomas is the first Liberal Democrat to hold the post but she has also broken with tradition and appointed a Humanist celebrant instead of a vicar to open full council meetings this year.

Mrs Thomas is a member of the British Humanist Association and so asked celebrant Thelma Brazier to help her in the year ahead.

The new mayor said: "Last year I heard Thelma speak at the funeral of Jim Casey, who was Redditch highways manager, and I was very inspired by her words.

"She will be an advisor to me throughout the year. We won't be opening meetings with prayers, but Thelma will be saying a few words instead.

"This year though I will be representing all the people of Redditch whatever their faith or belief, which is a real honour and privilege."

Mrs Thomas' charities this year are Nightstop and Redditch Carers' Careline.

The former teacher has dedicated her year in office to her late father Harry, and said she would be very active in promoting the arts in Redditch.

She undertook her first engagement as mayor yesterday when she received a wooden bench made by the Where Next Association which she will donate to the people of Auxerre in France, with which Redditch is twinned.

Conservative councillor Mike Chalk has been appointed deputy mayor.