THE new Mayor of Hertsmere says he is going to grasp the role with both hands and do his best for residents.

Deputy Mayor Peter Knell (Con/Potters Bar Furzefield) will succeed Mayor Linda Silver (Con/ Bushey Park) following a ceremony in the council chambers on Wednesday, May 18.

The 65-year-old taxi driver, who has lived in Potters Bar for 43 years, said: “Being the Mayor of Hertsmere is an opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime and you must grasp it with both hands to do the best you can for the residents you represent.

"I feel very, very proud to be the mayor.

“Although it's a non political position, I'm still a representative for Potters Bar Furzefield and will continue to wear my councillor hat for my ward. I'm looking forward to my year as mayor and there will be plenty of time to be political again afterwards.”

However, Cllr Knell is entering his fourth year as a borough councillor and will need to seek re-election before he continues his political life.

The father-of-two has selected Macmillan Cancer Support and The Peace Hospice, based in Watford but serving south west Hertfordshire, as his two chosen charities.

He said: “My brother died at 17 with a terminal illness, my mother died at the end of June and my father died of bowel cancer.

“It is an illness that affects everyone involved, but hopefully the money we can raise for both charities will make it that little better for people.”

Asked what he liked about the responsibilities of the civic role, Cllr Knell said: “It gives you opportunity to see the places and jobs that people do that you never knew existed. It is a real eye-opener to see the dedication and good work that residents do.”

Cllr Knell will be joined by his wife June, his daughter Yolande, who is a BBC correspondent based in Jerusalem, and his son Andrew, who works in advertising, for the mayor-making on Wednesday evening.