UTTLESFORD District Council officially appointed a new chairman at its annual meeting on Tuesday.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Past Uttlesford District Council chairman Christina Cant (second from left) with Georgeta Busuioc from Diabetes UK, Anne Hillion from Marie Curie Cancer Care, and Janine Corby, PA to the chairman of the council.Past Uttlesford District Council chairman Christina Cant (second from left) with Georgeta Busuioc from Diabetes UK, Anne Hillion from Marie Curie Cancer Care, and Janine Corby, PA to the chairman of the council. (Image: Archant)

Barnston representative Cllr Eric Hicks was elected as chairman and Hatfield Broad Oak councillor Keith Artus as vice-chairman.

Departing chairman, Cllr Christina Cant presented cheques of £2,730 each to her chosen charities – Diabetes UK and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Over the next 12 months Cllr Hicks will be working to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Hatsingwood-based St Clare Hospice.

Assuming the role, Cllr Hicks said: “It is an absolute privilege to take up the post in succession of Christina Cant who has done a magnificent job over the past 12 months. She will be a very hard act to follow but I shall do my best to live up to expectations.”

Outgoing chairman, Cllr Cant, told the council it has been a “great privilege to represent” the district.

“The warmth of the reception my husband John and I have received at civic events has been something I will long remember.

“It was oa very special year to be chair with the Olympics following closely on from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. We have seen some wonderful places, met some amazing people and shared with them the pride we all feel for our particular town or district.”