FORMER firefighter John Hutchins has become chairman of New Forest Council for the second time.

Councillor Hutchins, pictured above, was elected unopposed at last night's annual meeting of the authority - just days after retaining his Barton seat in the local elections.

He was previously chairman of the council in 1997-98.

Council leader Mel Kendal said: "We are absolutely delighted that John is once again our chairman, bearing in mind how well he did the job last time."

Maureen Robinson, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrat group, said: "I have a soft spot for John. He is a very fair man."

Chief executive Dave Yates told Cllr Hutchins: "I am sure you will carry out your duties very effectively and with great enthusiasm."

Cllr Hutchins was one of many councillors who paid tribute to the retiring chairman, Hordle member John Hoy.

He presented him with his past chairman's badge of office and a photographic record of his year in office.

Mr Yates referred to all the help Cllr Hoy had received from his wife Shirley, saying the civic couple had been a "true double act".

The council's new vice-chairman is Fordingbridge member Mike Shand.

Cllr Hutchins's charity for the year will be Lymington Sailability, a charity that enables disabled people to take to the water.