The new mayor of Sutton has pledged to help young people into work during his year in office.

Coun Gerry Jerome, who was formally elected as the borough's first citizen at a meeting of the Full Council, has set up a new charity to help young people find jobs.

He said: “The charity is called Ways to Work and I have set it up to help young people in Sutton in the 18 to 24-year-old age group, who are not in employment, education or training.

"These young people are very often those who have not got on very well at school and many of them are desperate for a second chance.

“They can lose hope and motivation if they are not helped at an early stage. Ways to Work will work in partnership with local training providers and local employers.

Coun Jerome, who has lived in the borough for 25 years and been a councillor for a total of 10 years, said it was "an honour" to be made mayor.

He said: "“I see this as a chance to help repay the good life that Sutton has given me.“ He will attend about 300 public engagements in the next 12 months, after being formerly elected on Monday, May 23.