BRAINTREE council has announced a new chairman and vice-chairman.

Councillor Sue Wilson will take up the role after outgoing chairman Councillor Angela Kilmartin completed her two-year term.

Councillor Wilson, who was elected at an Annual General Meeting on Monday (April 19) said work to support the district has never been more "vital".

Councillor Wilson said: "This year we have begun to see the true impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people, their families, their communities and their jobs or businesses.

"As a council, our work to support our residents and businesses has never been as vital.

"I would like my year as chairman to focus on supporting our communities and businesses through this next hurdle as we adjust to the ‘new normal’.

"As the Civic Head of the Council I would like to do whatever I can to help highlight the community spirit we saw over the past year which made a difference to so many."

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Outgoing chairman, Councillor Kilmartin attended a total of 106 engagements despite to pandemic and helped raise £3,000 for her charities, Marie Curie and Witham Choral Society.

The money raised for Marie Curie will go towards the charity’s overnight nursing service.

Patrick McCarthy, musical director of Witham Choral, said: “Our thanks to Angela Kilmartin for making us one of her charities and for her generous contribution to our funds.

"Witham Choral is very much part of the Witham community and we were delighted to be chosen by Angela during her year, which became two years, as chair."

Councillor Wilson was elected as chairman for the civic year 2012/22.

Councillor Andrew Hensman has also been elected as vice-chairman.