Cllr Charlesworth faced no opposition at a Hastings Borough Council meeting and mayor making ceremony at the White Rock Theatre on Wednesday.

To laughter and applause she said: "I declare myself elected!
"I have unashamedly enjoyed myself as you know. This year I will try and do my best to support everyone in the town."

A grandmother of new-born twins, Cllr Charlesworth chose the Conquest hospital's special care baby unit as one of her chosen charities for the year, along with St Augustine's Foundation for Excellence (SAFE) which supports the work St Augustine's by funding two respite care beds for the homeless and needy.

She also pledged to continue her fundraising work for the renovation of the war memorial in Alexandra Park.

Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Armstrong was elected as the new deputy mayor, replacing Vivienne Bond, at the meeting which also saw a performace of show tunes by St Leonards school choir.

Marking the end of her year in office, Cllr Charlesworth presented the mayor's staff and her former deputy mayor with gifts, and was presented with a portrait by artist Simon Newbury commissioned as a gift from the Hastings Observer.

• For more information about portraits go to www.simonsart.co.uk