A FORMER soldier, railwayman and city political veteran has been elected as Worcester Mayor.

Councillor Mike Layland, who represents Nunnery ward, was elected in on a majority vote last night at the city's Guildhall.

Coun Layland was previously mayor in 1981/82 and had given "42 years public service" according to sister-in-law coun Margaret Layland.

He was deputy mayor last year, and replaces outgoing mayor coun Andy Roberts.

Coun Leyland's charities will be Acorns Children's Hospice, the city's Army, Royal Navy and Royal Airforce cadets groups and Perdiswell Young People's Leisure Club.

Coun Keith Burton was elected deputy mayor for the municipal year.