CONSERVATIVE councillor Nicky Gale has been elected as Kidderminster's new mayor for the forthcoming municipal year.

She was voted to take on the role at Kidderminster Town Council's mayor making ceremony on May 17.

Councillor Gale, who was re-elected to Wyre Forest District Council in 2016, served as the deputy mayor of Kidderminster in 2016/2017.

This year, she will raise money for Wheely Different Theatre Company and the Wyre Forest station of Severn Area Rescue Association.

Cllr Gale said: "My theme for the year is community and voluntary groups. I am aiming to raise the profile of these groups - which started with me hosting a luncheon last Friday for Dementia Action Alliance in Kidderminster.

"Throughout the year, I am hoping to go round to as many community and voluntary groups and hosting various events at the town hall to say thank you for their work."

Cllr Gale's consort for the year will be her husband Kevin, supported by her sons Daniel and Kieron.

UKIP councillor Martin Stooke was elected as Kidderminster's deputy mayor.

During the mayor making ceremony, there were performances from from Wheeley Different Theatre Company and students from Birchen Coppice Primary School choir.