OUTGOING district council chairman Brian Sandler has paid tribute to the "tremendous support" he received from counci officers and councillors.

Speaking at the annual Epping Forest District Council meeting Mr Sandler said he was "extremely proud" to have been given the opportunity to be chairman.

He said: "I would also like to thank all the members for behaving so professionally at full council meetings thereby making my position of chairman a most enjoyable one."

During his year in office Mr Sandler raised £21,000 for his chosen charities, The Chigwell Riding Trust for Special Needs and St Clare Hospice.

He said: "We had fantastic support throughout the year at the various fundraising events and I'm delighted to announce that all our hard work paid off."

The money raised will help provide outdoor seating for the riding trust and contribute to planned bedroom extensions at the Hastingwood hospice.

After attending 222 official engagements Mr Sandler picked out some of the highlights of his year, including his first official duty presenting Volunteer of the Year awards at Theydon Bois Village Hall, starting the Race For Life at North Weald Airfield and his role in marking the 60th anniversary of the Second World War.

Mr Sandler also spoke of the success of his Celebration of Faith Civic Service, which he described as his "vision to bring the various religions together".

He said: "If during my year of office I have instigated awareness of other people's religious beliefs and tolerance of others in the community, then I leave my year of office a very happy man indeed."Two final engagements will see Mr Sandler attend the Queen's birthday parade and the Trooping of the Colour in next month, and then in June he and his wife, Brenda, and two daughters have been invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

He added: "It has truly been an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to be your chairman. I hope I have carried out my duties to your total satisfaction and I thank you all for the trust you put in me."

Former council leader John Knapman said: "You have been a first rate chairman and it is with a sense of immense gratitude that this council thanks you for your year as chairman."