Dartford has welcomed newly elected mayor Ian Armitt who has taken up the role for the third time in a decade.

The borough councillor is only the third to have scored a mayoral hatrick after first being elected in 2005 and again in 2008.

During his speech at the borough council's Annual General Meeting last night coun. Armitt said he felt privileged to become mayor again.

The Bean & Darenth councillor said he looks forward to developing the town centre, as well as promoting the arts- something he has previously campaigned for.

"I will look to support the arts in its many forms across the borough," he said.

Coun. Armitt will be supported by his wife Lynne as mayoress, with whom he has two adult daughters Nicola and Kirsty.

During his first term as mayor coun. Armitt was involved in the launch of the Lollipop Appeal for a high dependency children's unit at Darent Valley Hospital.

"The unit is still there, it still continues to provide a much needed facility," he said.

The appeal is a cause he plans to fundraise for throughout his charity work this year.

News Shopper: Pupils from Wilmington Primary School with MEP for Kent, Caroline Lucas, and Mayor of Dartford Councillor Ian Armitt.

Pupils from Wilmington Primary with Green MP Caroline Lucas and Ian Armitt during his previous time as mayor of Dartford.

Coun.Armitt has big shoes to fill, following the £48,000 raised by previous mayor Avtar Sandhu.

Over the past year the selfie-taking, high-fiving former mayor got involved with a whole range of fundraisers, from sky diving to dashing over hot coals.

Coun. Sandhu, who was re-elected last month as a borough councillor for Brent, attended a record 612 events.

He thanked those who supported him throughout his year as mayor, particularly when his mother died.

"I'd like to reflect on my term by firstly thanking members and residents of the borough for the kind words of support offered to me when I lost my mother," he said.

News Shopper: Councillor Avtar Sandhu named as new mayor of Dartford

Former mayor of Dartford Avtar Sandhu.

He looked back at the highlights, which include meeting the Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles, as well as thanking the mayoral staff.

"The role of a mayor is a privilege," he said. "My advice to anyone who shows an interest is take it because you will love it."

Conservative council leader Jeremy Kite said the outgoing mayor transformed the role with his use of social media and extensive fundraising.

"Coun. Sandhu has taken the mayorality in to places it has never been before," he said.