A NEW mayor of Epping has been elected.

Councillor Tony Church took over from Councillor Leslie Burrows to take on the role.

The new mayor thanked Mr Burrows for the support he and his wife, Carol, had given to the town over the past year, and said he was “very honoured” to be in the role.

Mr Church has followed in his father’s footsteps, who was town mayor in 1978.

Outgoing Mr Burrows said: “I trust the new mayor and deputy mayor will have a great year.”

Councillor Nigel Avey was elected deputy mayor.

Mr Burrows attended 84 events during his year as mayor, including being introduced to the Princess Royal when she opened the Citizens Advice Bureau offices.