A new chairman has been appointed at Epping Forest District Council.

Cllr Tony Boyce has taken over from Mary Sartin after being elected at a full council meeting last week.

Councillor Liz Webster, who represents Waltham Abbey Paternoster ward, was elected as vice-chairman.

Cllr Boyce, of Moreton and Fyfield ward, said that he wanted to use the next 12 months to help others.

He added: “I feel very proud indeed. Thank you to Mary (Sartin) who has set a very high standard for me to follow.

“I have chosen to support many worthy local charities in my year in office.”

Cllr Boyce will raise funds for the Ongar and District Healthcare League of Friends and a tail-lift disability bus for Voluntary Action Epping Forest.

He is also supporting the Ongar and Villages Voluntary Care and Loughton Voluntary Care.