The departing Mayor of Sutton said his year in office has been one of the highlights of his life.

Former borough fire commander Arthur Hookway, 61, stepped down as Mayor on Monday, May 18, and praised the people of Sutton in his farewell speech.

Meanwhile: Meet Sutton's new mayor and find out which charities he will support

Councillor Hookway was elected to the position last year despite having been a councillor for less than a month.

He said: "It was like going from your local social club one Sunday and being promoted to the Premier League in the space of three weeks."

In a speech to full council Mr Hookway praised Sutton's arts, multiculturalism, and community volunteers and later told the Sutton Guardian he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as Mayor.

He said: "It is a 24/7 job, but I've thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

"The highlight has really been the people of Sutton, they have been absolutely wonderful.

"And raising £12,500 for my two charities Smile and the Sutton Senior's Forum was absolutely fantastic as well.

"It has been one of the greatest highlights of my life."

In one of his final official acts he handed cheques to representatives of his two chosen causes on Friday.

On a more sombre note he reflected on the death of Councillor Colin Hall from cancer in March this year.

He said: "It was the low point of my year.

"Colin was a very hard working and nice man who made time for everyone.

"I did not know Colin as well as I would have liked to, but I found him to be a truly good bloke.

"He was one of the best people in the council."

By standing down, Liberal Democrat Coun Hookway will be able to take an active role as a councillor, and has been appointed to sit on the Children, Family & Education Committee.

Councillor Muhammad Sadiq was appointed as the new Mayor on Monday night.

A councillor since 1975, Coun Sadiq chose St Raphaels Hospice in Cheam and The Change Foundation in Beddington as his official charities for 2015/16, adding he was keen to hear from any groups or organisations within the borough that would like mayoral support.

The new Deputy Mayor is Councillor Joyce Melican.