Brentwood has welcomed new mayor Cllr Ann Coe for the next year.

Cllr Coe is ward member for South Weald and replaced Cllr Joan Holmes at Brentwood Borough Council’s annual council meeting on Wednesday, May 16.

Members of the council were joined at the Town Hall by residents, family members and friends to witness the traditional mayoral ceremony.

Cllr Coe is Brentwood’s 21st mayor and is originally from a village on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. She has lived in South Weald since 2000 with her husband Paul.

She is currently the Verger at St Peter’s Church, South Weald, and has represented the ward for six years.

Ann has been a member of planning and licensing committee, environment panel, community panel and overview and scrutiny.

On her appointment she said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to be mayor this year.

“Paul and I are looking forward to serving and representing all the residents of this great borough.”

Cllr Louise McKinlay, leader of Brentwood Borough Council, said: “A very big welcome to Anne as the new mayor of Brentwood.

“I know she will be a great ambassador for us in what is set to be a very exciting year for the borough with lots of celebrations ahead.

“On behalf of the whole council I also want to give my very best wishes and thanks to Joan Holmes as our outgoing mayor.”

Joan has raised more than �26,000 for her mayoral charities Recoil Twisters and St Francis Hospice.

Cllr Coe’s chosen charities for her mayoral year are Crossroads Care; Frontline Partnership, Sawyer’s Church; and Alzheimer’s.

Cllr Madeline Henwood, Conservative member for Tipps Cross, was appointed deputy mayor.