THE new chairman of Haddenham Parish Council is to wear the chains of office designed by her father.

Angela Hart was elected chairman of the parish council on Tuesday, May 8 after retiring chairman Margaret Aston decided not to stand for re-election after eight years in office.

Cllr Hart's father, Bill Rose, was the vice-chairman of the parish council and helped to design the chairman's chain of office, presented to the council in 1977.

He and his daughter were on the parish council together until Mr Rose died in 1993.

It was a close-run election with chairman of the environment committee Enid Robinson also nominated as chairman. Both received five votes and Cllr Aston, as chairman, cast the deciding vote in favour of Cllr Hart, who had been vice-chairman.

Cllr Robinson was elected vice-chairman.

Cllr Aston said she was sure her successor will do a good job.

She said: "I hope she'll enjoy the job. She's been very supportive as vice-chairman and I'm looking forward to working with her on the parish council."

Parish councillor Mike Whitney paid tribute to Cllr Aston but said it was good to have a fresh face.

He added: "It's a good thing for the village. Angela's a good organiser."