Applause echoed around the Chelmsford City Council chambers as Councillor Patricia Hughes was elected the new Mayor of Chelmsford,.

At an official ceremony during last night’s Annual Council Meeting,, Councillor Patricia Hughes and her husband Paul began their term of office as Mayor and Consort of Chelmsford for 2016 to 2017.

Patricia has been an elected Chelmsford City Councillor for thirteen years, representing Elmwood and Woodville Wards, Patricia has also been the Council’s representative on the Board of CHP (Chelmer Housing Partnership) and a Trustee on the CAB (Citizens’ Advice Bureau). She is currently a member of the Planning and Licensing and Regulatory Committees.

Mrs Hughes said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to be the Mayor of Chelmsford, and to be able to thank and recognise the people who make it such a fantastic place to live and work.

"My husband Paul, who is a wheelchair user, will be my consort for the year.

"For some mayoral events he will be accompanied by his Personal Aid, Mr Graham Moulds.”

The Mayor has chosen the Chelmsford based J’s Hospice as her charity.

J’s was formed in memory of Jonathan Whiffin, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at three years of age.

It provides hospice and respite care to young people throughout Essex, who are living with life-threatening conditions and are one of the few hospice charities in the country caring solely for 16-40 year olds.

As the Mayor’s charity is the J’s Hospice, her theme for the coming year will be ‘Transforming young adult lives’.

The Mayor appointed Councillor Linda Denston to be her Deputy and she will be supported by her husband Councillor Bob Denston as her Escort.

Councillor Denston, on newly appointed Deputy Mayor, said: “I was very excited and honoured to be asked by the Mayor to be her Deputy.

"My husband Bob was Deputy Mayor in 2009-2010 when I was Deputy Mayoress and we met many amazing people from the voluntary sector.

"I know from experience what a privilege supporting the Mayor will be.”

Reverend Carol Ball, Vicar of the Holy Trinity Church, South Woodham Ferrers, and Priest in Charge of South Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre, was appointed as the Mayor’s Chaplain.

Reverend Ball will act during her term of office to open all meetings of the Council with prayers and officiate at various civic events.