Jill Anderson takes over as Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling

The new Mayor elect, who will take over the role in 2020, was named as Roger Roud, who represents East Malling ward.

Cllr Anderson has represented the ward of Hadlow and East Peckham since 1990.

She has been a Cabinet member for Housing and Environmental Services, and has now stood down as chair of Licensing and Appeals.

She also serves on seven other committees and has been a governor of four local schools.

She works from home part-time as advertising manager for an Estate Agent in Sevenoaks.

“I have had a most enjoyable year as Deputy Mayor serving the community of Tonbridge and Malling and I’m really looking forward to this coming year in my role as Mayor,” she said.

“It will be my aim to help raise awareness of all the fantastic work carried out by volunteers, community groups, schools and businesses and to meet more residents whilst travelling and working around the borough.”

During her year of office Cllr Anderson has chosen to support CRY, or Cardiac Risk in the Young, a national charity that aims to prevent young people from dying of undiagnosed heart conditions through awareness and screening.

CRY is supported by Tonbridge Angels FC, who have conducted more than 1,000 screenings of local youths at Longmead.

The outgoing Mayor Cllr Pam Bates, has presented a cheque of £4,804 to her chosen charity, Tree of Hope.

The crowdfunding organisation helps children with a disability or illness by supporting their families to raise the money they need to pay for specialist care that is not freely available on the NHS.

Cllr Bates, who represents Trench ward, has hosted a series of fundraising events including a charity evening at the Oast Theatre and a dinner at The Old Fire Station.

She said: “Thank you to the many wonderful individuals and organisations in the community who have helped raise this money.

“I’m so pleased that I have been able to help such a worthwhile charity as Tree of Hope during what has been a very enjoyable year.”