OCKENDON councillor Sue Shinnick has been elected as Thurrock's new mayor.

She took over the role from outgoing mayor Cllr Terry Piccolo at this evening's (Wednesday, 26 May) annual meeting of the borough Council, held at the Thameside Theatre.

Taking office she said: "I want to start by thanking past mayor Terry Piccolo for all his work over the past two years, which has been a really tough period for all of us.

"Thank-you councillors for putting your trust in me.

"Being elected as mayor of Thurrock is a huge honour and I would like to tell you how proud and humbled I feel. I have to admit, although I am looking forward to it immensely, I feel a little daunted by the year ahead but I will do my best to be the mayor of this borough and I feel sure fellow councillors will help me make it a memorable year."

And she added: "I intend to make the NHS heroes the focus of my mayoral year."

Cllr Shinnick's chosen charities will be Little Havens (Thurrock) and the Thurrock Over Fifties Forum and she said: "I look forward to raising as much money as possible for them."

Her consort for the coming year will be a former mayor, fellow Labour councillor Steve Liddiard.

Cllr Piccolo said: "I would like to thank members of the member services team for all their help and support.

"The last 15 months have been difficult for everyone, and very quiet for me as mayor, with very few engagements. I hope the new Mayor will very shortly be able to enjoy a full list of engagements.

"On a personal note it has been frustrating that I have not been able to hold fundraising events for my chosen charities, including not being able to have a civic dinner.

However, he added:" I have been able to dominate more than £4,000 to various Thurrock charities and groups."

Cllr James Halden has been elected as deputy mayor.