A GLITTERING ceremony held at Southampton's Guildhall has seen Conservative councillor Edwina Cooke sworn in as the city's 783rd mayor.

The Shirley councillor was voted in by members of the city council in front of civic leaders from across the south.

Officially nominating her for the position, Councillor Royston Smith said she worked "tirelessy for the city" and it was an office she "truly deserved", while council leader Adrian Vinson said she was "a person of integrity, character and determination" who would make an "admirable first citizen".

Accepting her new role, Cllr Cooke said she intended to make sure everyone knew what a wonderful place Southampton was.

"My aspiration is to visit as many city-wide events as possible, to meet as many residents and workers and those who provide the work as I can and to bring to everyone's notice the brilliant talents abounding in Southampton, and its wonderful potential," she said.

Cllr Cooke named her charities for the coming year as Leukaemia Busters and small local charities.

In her speech she also praised outgoing mayor Councillor Dennis Harryman, saying he was a "worthy holder" of the office of first citizen who never missed any event or occasion.

Cllr Vinson also thanked Cllr Harryman for his "outstanding and admirable work" as the city's mayor.

Following the mayor-making Liberal Democrat councillor John Slade, for Peartree ward, was elected to the post of city sheriff.

Meanwhile, Adrian Vinson was formally re-elected as leader of the council for another year. Cllr Peter Wakeford retains deputy leadership of the council as well as his leisure, culture and tourism portfolio.

Other members of the council are Cllr Jill Baston, environment and transport; Cllr Norah Goss, health and adult social care; Cllr David Beckett, resources; Cllr Elizabeth Mizon, communities and regeneration; Cllr Paul Russell, housing and homes; Cllr Anne Milton, children's services.