The next Mayor of Croydon has been chosen, and the councillor is no stranger to the role.

Councillor Margaret Mead served as Mayoress when her husband Councillor Dudley Mead, the council’s longest serving member, was Mayor in 1989/90.

Coun Mead has now been selected to serve as Mayor when the current holder Coun Askey’s term ends in May.

The Heathfield ward councillor was once an assistant scouter and was a founder committee member of the London Mozart Players.

She has even found time to pursue occasional personal interests including classical music - preferably at Fairfield - gardening and golf and has had two holes-in-one at Croham Hurst to her credit.

Margaret and Dudley also love spending time with their two grandchildren at their home in Selsdon, the part of Croydon where they have spent their 39 years together.

They will be celebrating their ruby anniversary in a year’s time.

Coun Mead said: “My cabinet position means I have been able to spend much of my time as an executive member trying to improve the lives of the borough’s most vulnerable people.

"I hope that my year in office will give me the chance to thank the many council and health service staff, and the huge band of committed volunteers who do so much to help and support the elderly in Croydon.

“However, all that is some way off yet.

"Although the council elects a Mayor early in the new year, taking up office doesn’t happen until early summer.

"Mindful of the very recent and sad circumstances of Jonathan Driver, I want his successor, Robert Askey, to have every opportunity to enjoy being the present Mayor before stepping down in May.”