A newly-elected parish council chairman has paid tribute to his late predecessor.

Cllr Alan Buckley was elected the new chairman of North Weald Bassett Parish Council this week, following the death of former chairman Cyril Hawkins in September.

Cllr Buckley, who has been a North Weald parish councillor since January 2013, said: "I am proud to have been elected as the new chairman.

“I look forward to working with my fellow councillors, the council staff and the local community.

The new chairman also paid tribute to the late councillor Hawkins, praising his “dedication” and long service on the council.

Cllr Buckley added: "Cllr Hawkins had been the mainstay of the council for many years - having also been its chairman continuously since 2006 - and he will certainly be a hard act to follow.

"He was dedicated to his council work, and in particular to the Thornwood ward."

Councillor Brian Eldridge has been elected as the new vice-chairman.