The new mayor of Wandsworth promised last night to sweep away tradition.

Putting his words into immediate effect, Conservative Councillor Adrian Knowles did the first half of his acceptance speech in sign language and announced that he would not wear his ceremonial robes at council meetings.

The atheist said he would also not be requiring the services of a chaplain.

And he chose his partner Chris Mayhew to accompany him on duties with the title "Mr Consort", joking that the term mayoress would be inappropriate.

Rounding off an acceptance speech full of surprises, he got the ball rolling for his chosen charities by making a £1,000 donation himself.

Dozens of people were invited to the mayor making ceremony in the Civic Suite, in Wandsworth High Street, including charity workers and volunteers.

In his speech Coun Knowles said the tradition of saying prayers before council meetings would continue and explained that he learned sign language when he was five because both his parents were deaf.

Coun Knowles said: "My parents really strived to give me the best start in life that they could. They would be so proud, I am sure they are watching down on us now.

"This is a great honour for me. It is a great honour for my ward, I am the first Roehampton and Putney Heath councillor in 40 years."

The new mayor suffered from cancer last year and had to have a lump removed from his leg and has selected the Royal Marsden Hospital as his first charity for this reason.

He also chose Oak Lodge School for the deaf, in Nightingale Lane, Balham, as his second charity and said he would support apprenticeships schemes in the borough.

The mayor said he intends to continue to give out mayor's pins to worthy recipients, a tradition started by the outgoing mayor, Councillor Jane Cooper, but said he would "change things up" by creating a roll of honour on the council website for everyone who is awarded one.

The ceremony also saw Councillor Cooper stand down from the role having raised about £40,000 for St George's Hospital and Age UK Wandsworth in the past year.

Leader of the council Councillor Ravi Govindia said: "Tonight there will be a tear or two. You have gone throughout the community and beyond.

"You went to 550 engagements. You are a regular five a day mayor, on one occasion you had six lunches."

Councillor Rex Osborn, leader of the opposition, praised Coun Cooper for her ability to bring everybody together in the wake of the riots, despite political differences.

He said: "We saw a serious very business like version of the mayor. Her words were "Right, what have you boys got for me then?"

"She made it clear how serious it is what we have got to do."

Councillor Nicola Nardelli was selected as the deputy mayor.