Wychavon's new chairman has named promoting public art as one of his key pledges.

The chairman's chain was handed over to Cllr George Duffy at Wychavon's Annual Council meeting on Wednesday (May 15).

Among his predecessors is his mother Lynne, who served her year as chairman in 2014.

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Cllr Duffy was first elected to public office when he was just 19, when he was selected to represent Droitwich West Ward before serving as Mayor of Droitwich.

Throughout his career, Cllr Duffy has often led efforts to engage residents with public art projects, with his involvement in the Droitwich Spa Underpass Arts Project particularly notable.

During his acceptance speech, Cllr Duffy said: "I’m looking forward to my year as chairman and hope to use it to raise awareness of the benefits public art can bring to our public meeting spaces, such as our town and village centres.

"If anyone has public art or public art opportunities in their area, then please let me know as I would love to come and visit."

Cllr Duffy takes over from Cllr Robert Raphael, who spent his tenure visiting every parish area in honour of Wychavon’s 50th anniversary.

Reflecting on his term, Cllr Raphael said: "It was an honour to be chairman during Wychavon’s 50th anniversary year.

"I have had the most amazing time meeting dedicated volunteers, committed businesspeople and discovering corners of this beautiful district I never knew existed."

The council also elected Cllr Mark Goodge, a former mayor of Evesham, as vice chairman.

Residents who wish for the new chairman to visit their organisation or event can given contact faith.quin@wychavon.gov.uk.