A town councillor and international banker has become the new mayor of Harpenden.

Brian Ellis, who lived in Harpenden for 30 years, was nominated at a meeting of the new town councillors on Monday evening.

Councillor Nicola Linacre was nominatied as deputy town mayor, with both being voted in unanimously.

The outgoing Town Mayor, Councillor Mary Maynard, was presented with a certificate and badge and thanked for all her hard work and commitment over the past year.

After the meeting, Councillor Ellis said: "My theme for the year is ‘Resilience’. "I have met many inspiring people over the years who have overcome difficult periods in their lives and remained focused and upbeat despite the odds.

"The strength that they have shown and their determination is a great example to us all."

Councillor Ellis's chosen charities are The Harpenden Trust and The Southdown Play Areas Trust.

The Harpenden Trust has been in operation for 60 years and helps individuals and families in Harpenden who are suffering hardship, financial or otherwise.

The Southdown Play Areas Trust has been established this year to raise funds to rebuild children’s play areas in Southdown and is an initiative of the local community.

Councillor Ellis was elected a Harpenden Town Councillor in 2011 and serves as a St Albans District Councillor.