A Leatherhead councillor and retired chemist has expressed delight at being made chairman of Mole Valley Council.

Councillor David Sharland, who represents Leatherhead South, paid tribute to outgoing chairman Councillor Caroline Salmon on Tuesday night.

Coun Sharland told the council: "She has ensured herself a place in the history of Mole Valley."

He added: "She has been compassionate at all times. At no time has she forgotten the residents she represents."

Councillor Salmon gave thanks to everyone who had helped her and described being chairman as an ‘absolute pleasure’.

She said: "This is not a day about me, but Coun Sharland."

His vice-chairman is Councillor Emile Aboud.

By phone on Wednesday Coun Sharland said: "It’s my second time around so from that aspect I know what is expected of me going forward.

"We are going to have a very busy year representing Mole Valley throughout the county.

"We expect to get out and see as much as the county as we can but obviously Mole Valley comes first."

Watch the meeting at www.molevalley.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/73871