Councillor Michael Allan was elected by his fellow councillors to the role of chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council.

Cllr Allan will be joined by Cllr Peter Cresswell, who will serve as vice chairman for the two years of his chairmanship.

The two council members will represent authority at a number of events throughout the district, county and region to promote East Cambridgeshire.

Cllr Allan, who takes over from Tony Cornell, was first elected to the council in 2003 and since the election in May represents the Burwell ward after representing Fordham villages for 12 years.

A retired teacher, the former chairman of the scrutiny committee and licensing committee has always been keen to promote the arts having established the Isle of Ely Arts Festival in 2012.

Cllr Allan, said: “It is a great honour and privilege to have been elected as Chairman of the council. East Cambridgeshire is a beautiful part of the country and we are lucky to live here and enjoy the wonderful quality of life on offer.

“I am really looking forward to the next two years as I see the various events and activities which take place in the district.

“Being a strong supporter of the arts – it will be a great pleasure to witness how the groups in the district are working to promote this area of our society to help people to relax from the stresses and strains of every day life.”