WYRE Forest's council chief has appointed "bombastic" Stourport councillor as the new chairman of the district council.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday evening (May 10), Councillor David Little took over the role of chairman of Wyre Forest District Council from Councillor Rose Bishop.

Nominating him for the role, Councillor Marcus Hart, leader of the district council, said he was confident Cllr Little would serve all the residents in the district.

Cllr Hart said: "Outspoken, argumentative, bombastic might just be a few words that could be used in the past over the years to describe my nomination and of course that is for Councillor David Little.

"But in saying that, I say this, outspoken and argumentative about what - about his beloved adopted town of Stourport and all of his residents that he has very ably represented for many, many years.

"You tell me you have been on Stourport Town Council that long that you cannot even remember when you were first elected but think that it is going on for 40 years. Your service on the town council, having served as their mayor in 1989 and 1990 and more recently in 2011 and 2012, will, of course, stand you in very good stead for this role.

"I am confident that Cllr Little will serve all of the residents in this district with () and ()."

Cllr Little will raise funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Macmillan Cancer Nurses during his year as chairman of the district council.

Cllr Little said: "Can I thank my fellow councillors for agreeing to my election as chairman of this district council for the forthcoming municipal year.

"I feel very honoured and particularly humbled to be asked to carry out this duty.

"I believe as a community we are fortunate to live in such a wonderful part of this country.

"I will honour this job with a passion for Wyre Forest wherever this role takes me in the coming months."

During the meeting, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Councillor John Campion was also appointed as the vice-chairman of the district council.

Cllr Hart also paid tribute and thanked retiring chairman, Cllr Bishop, at the meeting.

He said: "She has been the length and breadth of this district, representing Wyre Forest in every possible way. I know that she has been very active within the local community going to many, many events.

"I know that she has chose the Kidderminster and District Youth Trust as her chosen chairman's charity and I know also that she has worked really hard to fundraise for them throughout the last 12 months.

"I thank you Rose on behalf of all members of this council for the excellent way in which you have represented this council."

Cllr Bishop added: "Thank you to all of you for your support in whichever way. I have really, really loved this year."