A councillor is honoured to be handed the mayoral chains for his year in office.

Cllr Charles Goldstein was inaugurated as Mayor of Hertsmere at the annual council meeting on Wednesday, May 17.

He said: ““I’m looking forward to my year as Mayor and representing the residents of Hertsmere as their first citizen. It is a great honour."

The new Mayor plans to raise money for Norwood, which provides support children and families with learning disabilities and Carers in Herts, a charity which care for carers and their patients.

His duties will kick off tonight as he attends the 1st Elstree and Borehamwood Scouts AGM in Borehamwood.

He takes over from Cllr Pete Rutledge whose time in the role saw him take part in more than 200 engagements including a football tournament and skydive to raise money for charity.

He said: “It’s been a privilege and pleasure to serve as an ambassador for Hertsmere Borough Council as Mayor.

“During the year, my wife Jane and I have had the pleasure of meeting lots of fantastic people and organisations and we’ve been overwhelmed by the warmth of hospitality extended to us at the many mayoral events we’ve attended.”

Cllr Brenda Batten was announced as Deputy Mayor at the same event.

Contact the Mayor’s secretary on 020 8207 7477 or email mayors.secretary@hertsmere.gov.uk for more information.