A former Dereham sub-post master who provides the lead vocals for a 1960s and 70s rock 'n' roll band has been appointed the new chairman of Breckland Council.

Robin Goreham, who previously served as deputy to outgoing chair Nigel Wilkin, has sat on the district council for 17 years and was unanimously elected at the annual meeting last night. He previously served as mayor of his home town in 1997 and 2001.

The 52-year-old ran the North Road post office in Dereham for 16 years until 2004 with his wife Linda, herself a former councillor, and now works in administration at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

Mr Goreham provides vocals and guitar for the group Polaris, which plays pubs, clubs and parties and which the Labour councillor said was named after the star, not the Cold War nuclear missile.

He said: 'I'm very honoured because clearly I was a bit of a lone wolf over the years being a Labour man, but it's nice to think you have a bit of respect from your political opponents.

'At the end of the day we have all got Breckland at heart and that's the important thing. It's very gratifying to be asked to do it. We have got to spend 12 months doing half as good a job as Nigel did.'

His first engagement will be in Great Yarmouth on Sunday May 27, while he will meet the Queen at Sandringham in June.

His predecessor raised money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices, and Mr Goreham said he wanted to continue the theme of helping children by supporting Water Aid, which helps provide clean water in places including Africa and Asia.

Sylvia Armes, who seconded his nomination, said: 'He will be a fine ambassador for the council and this district in this very important jubilee and Olympic-filled year.'

Paul Claussen, who lost his position on Breckland's cabinet in last month's reshuffle, will serve as Mr Goreham's deputy.

Mr Wilkin thanked councillors, officers and his wife for their support during his year in office, and joked he would sell a commemorative medal he received on Ebay.