Norwich's new Lord Mayor and Sheriff have been sworn in, with a pledge to raise money for an enterprise which helps the city's homeless.

Eastern Daily Press: The new Lord Mayor of Norwich, Martin Schmierer, and the new Sheriff, Ros Brown. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe new Lord Mayor of Norwich, Martin Schmierer, and the new Sheriff, Ros Brown. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

At a ceremony in the council chamber at City Hall, Martin Schmierer, the leader of the Green group at Norwich City Council, became Lord Mayor.

Mr Schmierer has been a Green Party councillor representing Mancroft ward since 2015, becoming party leader in 2016 and becomes just the second Green to serve as Lord Mayor.

At 31, he is one of the youngest councillors to take on civic duties. In his free time, he enjoys going to the cinema, cooking and is an avid Norwich City fan. He has lived in Norwich since 1994.

Mr Schmierer, who was born in Germany and moved to Norwich when he was seven, said: 'I wasn't born here, but it's a city I'm very proud to call my home. It's a tremendous honour for me, as I share a deep affinity and love for one of the finest gems in the United Kingdom.

Eastern Daily Press: The new Lord Mayor of Norwich, Martin Schmierer. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe new Lord Mayor of Norwich, Martin Schmierer. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'What I am most excited about is meeting those people who take too little recognition for the great work they do - the people who make Norwich worth the epithet of a Fine City. These are the unsung heroes.'

The new Sheriff is Ros Brown, originally from Sunderland, who has lived in Norwich since coming to study at the University of East Anglia in 1970.

Previously head of democratic services at Norwich City Council, she is now chief executive of registered charity, Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS) – having overseen its development for the past 14 years.

NCLS provides a range of free legal advice services including debt, welfare benefits, domestic abuse, family, employment and immigration.

Eastern Daily Press: Towncrier Bob Lloyd announces the new Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYTowncrier Bob Lloyd announces the new Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The civic charity for the year will be The Feed, which teaches catering skills to get people who have faced homeless into employment.

Ms Brown said: 'I hope the civic support will not only raise much needed funds, but also raise their profile and the issues their clients are facing.'

The pair succeed outgoing Lord Mayor David Fullman, Labour councillor for Mancroft and Sheriff David Walker, formerly the clerk to Norwich Charitable Trusts.

Yesterday's meeting at City Hall also saw Alan Waters re-elected as the leader of the Labour-controlled council.