A NEW chairman has been chosen at Worcestershire County Council - with Ian Hopwood speaking of his delight.

The Conservative councillor has been selected to take the ceremonial chains for the next 12 months, which is among the most demanding civic roles in Worcestershire.

As chairman, he will be tasked with attending hundreds of events, similar to a mayor, and act as the public face of Worcestershire to outside visitors.

Councillor Hopwood is also believed to be the first Malvern-based councillor to get the role since the new-look council was formed in the 1990s.

The Tory, who represents Malvern Langland, was voted in at a full council meeting despite attempts by the opposition Labour group to scupper it.

He said: "It's a great honour to be the chairman of this county, I just want to work as hard as I can and endeavour to make it a good year."

The Labour group tried to get Councillor Andy Fry into the role, saying he had "32 years of experience" representing people and deserved it on that basis.

Councillor Peter McDonald, Labour group leader, said: "He's spent most of his working life in the charity sector and has wide experience of helping the deprived and less able.

"To attain 32 years service as a councillor is an unusual feat not experienced by most of us - there could be no better ambassador for the county than Andy Fry."

The Conservative group said Councillor Hopwood could also "relate to people from all different backgrounds" and called for a vote, which it won 31-26.

Conservative Councillor Liz Eyre said: "Ian has a wide range of experience behind him and would be ideal for this role."

Councillor Hopwood, a former City worker, also sits on Malvern Town Council and is a former mayor there.

Councillor Hopwood has replaced Pam Davey, who represents Droitwich East and spent the last 12 months as county council chair.

She said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would like to thank everyone for the making it so worthwhile."