New Ipswich mayor Elango Elavalakan was formally installed in the role at Wednesday night's mayor-making ceremony in the town hall.

Sri Lankan-born Mr Elavalakan has lived in Ipswich with his wife Manchula since 2006 after working in India, Uganda and Rwanda before settling in the UK.

He has been a Labour councillor for St John's Ward in the town since 2014.

During the meeting, council leader Neil MacDonald announced that Jane Riley and Lucy Trenchard would be joining the borough's executive for the next year.

After the formal meeting long-service awards were presented to councillors who had been on the borough for many years.

Former council leader and mayor Peter Gardiner was presented with a certificate to mark his 45 years on the borough.

East Anglian Daily Times: Inga and Tim Lockington both received long service certificates.Inga and Tim Lockington both received long service certificates. (Image: Paul Geater)

Meanwhile it was a family affair for Liberal Democrat councillors Inga and Tim Lockington, who both represent St Margaret's.

Mrs Lockington received a certificate to mark her 25 years on the council while Dr Lockington received a five-year certificate - he was first elected in 2019 after retiring as a consultant at Ipswich Hospital.