The new mayor of Croydon has spoken of the "great honour and great privilege" she feels to be appointed the borough's first citizen.

Councillor Yvette Hopley donned the ceremonial robes for the first time yesterday, as she became mayor of Croydon for 2013/2014.

Born in Croydon, Coun Hopley has lived in the borough all her life.

She was elected to the council as a representative for Sanderstead in 2006, and has a long association with the Sanderstead Residents' Association, for which she has assisted with the production of its residents magazine for almost 10 years.

Now Coun Hopley has become mayor she has given up a number of posts, which include being chairwoman of the audit committee, vice chairwoman of the pension committee and a member of the council's scrutiny and overview committee.

She was also deputy cabinet member for finance, performance and asset management.

Addressing the audience at her Mayor Making ceremony, she said: "It is a great honour and a great privilege to stand before you here as Mayor of Croydon.

"It is the largest London borough and I am extremely proud to be the borough's first citizen.

"Turning to the future, as a council and councillors we have been through difficult times and I know we have had to make some very difficult and challenging decision but I do feel confident we have a great future here in Croydon.

"With Westfield and Hammerson's venture we are going to see a changed face of Croydon its going to bring so many opportunities here I think it is a fantastic place to live and work."

Coun Hopley has chosen to support the South East Cancer Help Centre and the British Heart Foundation as her Mayoral charities.

She added: "I hope, by raising the profile through my work as Mayor, to help prevent and fight Britain’s biggest killer – circulatory and heart disease – and to raise awareness for early detection in cancer."

Councillor Badsha Quadir was last night appointed Deputy Mayor. Coun Quadir, who has been a resident of Croydon for 40 years, was elected to represent Purley in 2010.

He has sat on a number of committees including planning, corporate services, scrutiny and licensing.

The dad-of-two who came to Britain in 1969, lives with his wife Jebun and has two sons and a daughter.