The mayors of Kingston and Elmbridge for 2018/19 have been named.

Kingston councillor Thay Thayalan, who represents Tolworth and Hook Rise, and Long Ditton councillor Shweta Kapadia, both Liberal Democrats, were confirmed in the last week.

Cllr Thayalan said he was "proud and humbled" to have been chosen, and paid tribute to the outgoing mayor Cllr Julie Pickering, who lost her seat in the recent elections.

He added: “I look forward to getting out into the Kingston community, meeting local people, organisations, attending as many events as possible, promoting and celebrating the fantastic history, heritage and diverse cultures of our borough.

"I endeavour as mayor to work for the benefit of all the people and to promote the borough as a place to visit, live and work.”

Cllr Kapadia held her charity launch on May 17, having chosen Elmbridge Rentstart to help during her year in office.

She said: “In my mayoral year, Elmbridge Rentstart’s aim is to make sure that no one sleeps rough in Elmbridge. Youth homelessness is a particular problem in Elmbridge with private rents out of reach for many young people trying to find a bedsit or shared flat.

"Elmbridge Rentstart is determined to help those most in need and as mayor I will be working hard to support the charity in achieving its goal.”