Councillor Janet Marshall described becoming mayor of Croydon as "the proudest evening in my life" at the annual meeting of the council on Monday.

The Shirley councillor succeeded Councillor Maggie Mansell at the ceremony.

Purley councillor Graham Bass was named as deputy.

Coun Marshall, who nominated Age Concern and The Samaritans as her two charities for the year, said: "My theme for the year is to form a better understanding between the many groups, organisations and communities in the borough.

"I hope to create opportunities for us to explore and understand better the beliefs of others and the historical background to these traditions."