Mike Harrison has been named as new Chairman of Kent County Council (KCC).

Mr Harrison, who was elected to the County Council in November 1997 as the Conservative Member for Whitstable East, has promised to donate £10,000 to victims of the Nepalese earthquake.

His two chosen charities for the year will be Demelza House and Riding for the Disabled.

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The new chairman will be joined by his wife Jeanne as his escort.

He said: "This is a once in a life time opportunity and one which I have thought about for many years.

"The one really good thing is that you have been voted in by your fellow councillors and it is up to them as to who gets the job. Along with my wonderful wife we are looking forward to an amazing year."

The new Vice Chairman of the council is Tom Gates, affectionately known as Mr Faversham, who has served KCC since 1993.