A NEW chairman has been elected for Rochford.

Councillor Derrick Stansby is the new Chairman of Rochford District Council after being chosen at the annual council meeting.

He replaces councillor Tony Humphries who finished his year in office having raised more than £13,000 for charity.

The new Vice-Chairman of the Council is Councillor Simon Smith from Rayleigh who will assist Councillor Stansby during his term.

Cllr Stansby is a District Councillor for Hawkwell West and has lived in Rochford District since 1956.

He has been a District Councillor for eight years and previously served as a Parish Councillor for 12 Years. Councillor Stansby is married to Doris and has a daughter, Jacqueline, a son, Michael, and two grandchildren.

Cllr Stansby said: “I am delighted to represent the district as Chairman and hope to meet as many people as possible and to promote the good work of the many organisations in the area”.

The Chairman also announced that during his year in office his chosen charity will be the British Heart Foundation.

If you would like the Chairman to attend an event you are organising, or visit a group or organisation you are part of, please get in touch. The Chairman is keen to meet as many community groups from around the area as possible. To contact the Chairman’s office, please call the Civic Officer, Julia Mitchell on 01702 318114 or email julia.mitchell@rochford.gov.uk.