Councillor Malcolm Bird was officially confirmed as the Great Yarmouth borough's first UKIP mayor at a ceremony this evening.

He will take over the role from councillor Shirley Weymouth, who will now stand as the borough's deputy mayor.

Cllr Bird was sworn in at the mayor making ceremony at town hall following a vote by fellow councillors which saw only one vote of opposition.

In a speech he thanked Cllr Weymouth for her 'dedication' over the past year and that he was honoured to take on the role.

He also paid tribute to former mayors Cora Batley and Tony Smith, who have both died in the past month.

Cllr Bird, who represents Yarmouth's Central and Northgate ward, was first elected in 2014.

One of his first roles in the job was to choose three new honorary aldermen

Barry Stone, a Great Yarmouth borough councillor of 18 years and current South Norfolk councillor, returned to the town as one of the recipients.

Penny Linden who did not seek re-election this year was also awarded.

Councillor Trevor Wainwright accepted on behalf of Tony Blyth who also did not seek re-election and could not make the evening.