A town has elected their new mayor.

Cllr Antony Watts will take up the role as Waltham Abbey’s mayor overtaking Cllr Jeane from her long post.

The new Waltham Abbey Mayor has praised outgoing Mayor Jeane Lea for the "splendid job" she did has done over the past 12 months.

Cllr Watts, commended Cllr Lea for doing a “splendid job” speaking at last night's Annual Meeting.

"Jeane is a hard act to follow. He said. “She has been an absolute wonder this year and has done an absolutely splendid job."

This will be the fourth term Cllr Watts will serve as town Mayor is serving his fourth term, having previously held the position in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2011-12.

The new Mayor has selected the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 as his chosen charities for the year.

Cllr Lea reflected on her year as Mayor saying: "This has been a very, very busy year."

"There have been so many things - it has been a very, very good year."

Highlights during her term included the 100th anniversary of the Great War, the rededication of the town's war memorial and joint carol service with Epping Forest District Council.

The opening of the Larsens recreation ground changing rooms thanks to a £20,000 grant from Essex County Council Community Initiatives Fund was also mentioned.

Cllr Syd Stavrou was elected deputy Mayor whilst Cllr Liz Webster re-elected council leader and Cllr Helen Kane as deputy leader.