A NEW Mayor of Kidderminster has been elected by councillors at a virtual meeting.

Councillor Sarah Rook was unanimously chosen as the town's new mayor for the coming year on Tuesday night - replacing Cllr David Ross in the post.

Speaking after the election, Cllr Rook said: "It is a real privilege to become Kidderminster town mayor. I am incredibly proud to be representing the town and the wonderful people who live here.

“I will be doing everything I can to showcase the facilities, local businesses, volunteers and charities we have in Kidderminster.”

Cllr Rook works as a teaching assistant at Worcestershire County Council and a carer at Care & Support 24, and is a member of the Wyre Forest Labour Group, as well as a ward member for Broadwaters on the Progressive Alliance-led district council.

Her mayoral charities for the year are Kidderminster and District Youth Trust and Wyre Forest homeless charity HELP.

Councillor Juliet Smith, who is also a Conservative district councillor for Blakebrook and Habberley South, was elected deputy mayor.

Bewdley Town Council elected Councillor Anna Coleman as its new mayor - also at a virtual meeting - on Friday, May 15.

Cllr Coleman was sworn in for her second term, while Councillor Daniel Morehead was elected deputy mayor.

The new mayor's chosen charities for the coming year are Rory the Robot, raising funds for robotically-assisted prostate surgery, and the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA).