NEW Bracknell Forest mayor Cllr Jennie McCracken was welcomed by the borough at the council's annual meeting.

Mrs McCracken, who has represented Great Hollands South since 2007, took over from Cllr Chris Turrell as mayor of the borough on Wednesday, May 16.

She will be supporting the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance through her year in office and her consort is her husband, Cllr Iain McCracken, ward member for Old Bracknell.

Mrs McCracken said: "I'd like to pay tribute to Cllr Turrell and the mayoress, Diana Henfrey, for all their hard work during the past 12 months.

"I am really looking forward to the year ahead, meeting many of the borough's residents, and volunteers in particular.

"I hope lots of people from across Bracknell Forest will support the many fundraising events we'll hold throughout the year for my chosen charity." Mr Turrell announced that �16,047 had been raised for his chosen charity, Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

The new deputy mayor is Cllr Jan Angell, Mrs McCracken's fellow member on Great Hollands South.

The deputy mayor's consort is Cllr Bob Angell, who represents Bullbrook ward.