Councillors in Three Rivers heaped praise on departing chairman Kemal Butt.

Conservative Councillor Butt has served his 12-month term in office and was replaced by Councillor Les Mead during the council’s annual meeting on Tuesday night.

Leader of the council Councillor Ann Shaw said: "I would just like to thank and congratulate Councillor Butt for all the time and commitment you have dedicated to this role.

"You have done so well, the royal family insisted on coming down to meet you."

Councillor Steve Cox, leader of the Labour group, said: "You have represented this council so well both here and in the wider community