A new mayor has been elected in Waltham Abbey.

Cllr Helen Kane has stepped into the position of town mayor to take over from Cllr Ann Mitchell, who fulfilled the role since 2013.

On accepting the ceremonial chain on Thursday (May 14) at Waltham Abbey Town Hall in Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, Cllr Kane presented Cllr Mitchell with a past mayor’s badge to honour her service.

The new mayor described Cllr Mitchell as "hard working" and thanked her for providing an "exemplary service".

Cllr Kane, who was presented with a cake baked by the Cookery Group of WAY2000, a local youth group of which she is a trustee, has named this year's council charity as St Clare's Hospice.

She said: "Thank you to Ann Mitchell for her hard work and exemplary service.

"To serve the Council and the residents of the town is an honour and a privilege.

"The year will be a busy one and I am really looking forward to it."