MARILYN Birks has been elected as the new mayor of Malvern after a vote went to a tie-break.

Cllr Birks was elected during a Malvern Town Council meeting yesterday evening (Wednesday) seeing off competition from David Watkins.

She takes over the role of major from Clive Hooper, who ran as mayor for one term.

Cllr Hooper commented prior to the vote that it had been an "honour and a privilege" to serve his term as mayor of Malvern.

He added: "It has been a busy year meeting individuals, so I hope I have represented Malvern well and I give my successor the warmest wishes."

Cllr Birks had been proposed by Josephine Leibrandt to be chosen as mayor, and seconded by Melanie Jones.

David Mead proposed Cllr Watkins as mayor and that was seconded by Julie MacLusky.

Both Cllr Birks and Cllr Watkins were tied on 10 votes each, which resulted in a further batch of votes taking place.

Following a further tie, Cllr Hooper, as mayor, had the right to exercise the deciding vote, which he put in favour of Cllr Birks.

Prior to the vote, Cllr Birks said she planned to "facilitate a new way of working" in the council and create a collegial atmosphere among councillors.

She added: " I hope to represent Malvern with both enthusiasm and dignity."

Cllr Birks had previously served as a member of the Policy and Resources Committee.

After being elected as mayor, she said: "I want to take the time to say how grateful I am to have been elected as the new mayor of Malvern.

"To the councillors that voted for me, thank you for your vote of confidence.

"To those who didn't vote, I hope I gain your trust and confidence and I look forward to working with you during my term."

Working alongside Cllr Birks as deputy mayor for the next 12 months will be David Mead, after he was chosen ahead of outgoing mayor Clive Hooper.

Elsewhere, recommendations from the meetings of Policy and Resources Committee held earlier this year were unanimously approved.

It was recommended to award large grants to 1st Malvern Link of £2,500 and The Hills Singers of £,1250, with councillors approving all of the grants.

Councillors also approved that a closed-circuit television (CCTV) policy is adopted by the Town Council.