A new mayor of Gravesham has been elected.

Cllr Lyn Milner (Lab) was sworn in during Gravesham Borough Council's annual meeting.

Cllr Milner has been mayor once before, and deputy mayor four times. She has sat on the council for 28 years.

She has decided to have several escorts through her Mayoral year to join her on public occasions.

She took over the reigns from Cllr John Caller (Lab) yesterday (Tuesday).

She said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to say what a privilege it is for me to be elected as mayor of our wonderful borough for the second time.

“I’d like to thank Cllr John Caller and his lovely wife Sue for doing such great job last year during a time of such uncertainty and worry.

"And of course, I’d like to praise and thank the council officers, volunteers and key workers from across Gravesham who have bravely continued to do their jobs and look after our borough and its residents, especially those who helped our residents in need during this time."

Cllr Milner selected ellenor hospice, based in Northfleet, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services as her charities for the year, saying: "During the lockdowns, many people with Alzheimer's and Dementia have drastically declined in health, and I hope to be able to support them as much as possible."

Cllr Peter Scollard (Lab) was elected deputy mayor.

His partner, Julie Easy, will be Deputy Mayoress.

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend