THE EHDC representative for Lindford was appointed last week as the new chairman of the East Hampshire District Council. Yvonne Parker Smith will take over from Ken Graham after she was elected at the full council annual meeting last Wednesday.

Mrs Parker Smith said: "I am delighted to carry out the duties of chairman of the council, being the elected representative for Lindford. I was pleased to be honoured in this way by all members and look forward to an interesting and enjoyable year. I am the first lady chairman certainly since I became a councillor in 1999 and I hope that this, among other things, will mean I have something fresh to offer the role."

"When I started as a councillor, I watched the chairman and thought I could never take on that kind of role; it looked too daunting. Since then I have chaired the north east area community committee for two years, which is a small and friendly committee. I have gained a lot of experience of chairing meetings and that has given me more confidence, which I was glad to have when I chaired my first full meeting of council last night.

"I would like to thank Mr Graham for all his hard work over the last year. He always has so much energy and stamina, and I only hope I can measure up to him."

Mr Graham thanked the people of East Hampshire for their warmth and generosity over the past year. He said: "I had a wonderful time as chairman and met all sorts of interesting people, particularly the volunteers. I attended many different functions by a wide variety of organisations, and learnt a great deal.

"I am also delighted at the support shown to my two charities, Petersfield Soundtrack (part of the Portsmouth Area Talking Newspaper), and Farnham and Alton Talking Newspaper.

"Over the year I collected nearly £4,000 at functions like the talent show and from councillors. I have great admiration for the blind, as all those I have met in my years of charity work have always been incredibly cheerful and positive people."