REDDITCH Mayor Michael Chalk handed the chain of office to his successor Coun Gareth Prosser on Monday.
The newly-elected mayor named Redditch Association for the Blind and Disability Support Project as his chosen charities for his year in office.
His consort will be his wife Lynn Prosser.
“Becoming the mayor is the highest accolade the council can bestow on a councillor,” he said.
“I am humbled to be chosen and it will be a huge honour.
“I have lived in Redditch for 33 years and I was a police officer for most of those.
“I hope it doesn’t sound pretentious to say but I have Redditch blood in me.
“Despite the hard times we all face I will do all I can to promote our town, our businesses and most importantly our amazing people.
“I ask that you all stay safe and look out for each other.”
Coun Julian Grubb was elected to Deputy Mayor.
Outgoing mayor Coun Michael Chalk and previous mayor Roger Bennett, who shared a term, thanked Redditch for their honours and wished Coun Prosser luck for the future.
Labour leader Bill Hartnett, who along with his party abstained the mayor vote, also congratulated Coun Prosser.
