LABOUR councillor Phil Mould will continue as leader of Redditch Council after being appointed at its Annual General Meeting on Monday.

He first filled the post when David Cartwright stood down during an investigation into charity Step Out Drop In (SODI).

Fellow Labour councillor Bill Hartnett will continue as deputy leader.

The new mayor and deputy mayor were also elected, following the end of Diane Thomas' term. Last year's deputy, Mike Chalk, took on the top job.

He chose Cancer Research UK and Childline as his charities for the year.

David Hunt was elected deputy mayor.

He said: "I will promote Redditch and work in the best interests of the people of Redditch."