Councillor Pat Strack was made the new mayor of Hertsmere at a meeting of the borough council yesterday evening.

Conservative Ms Strack took over the role from Councillor Peter Knell. The new deputy is Conservative Councillor Dan Griffin.

Over the last year, as Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Knell raised £34,725 for his chosen charities of Macmillan Cancer Support and The Peace Hospice. Macmillan Cancer Support gets £25,609.43 while the Peace Hospice will receive £9,116.54. Macmillan receives more due to match funding by Barclays Bank in Potters Bar.

During his year as mayor, Councillor Knell arranged a number of fundraisers and attended more than 200 engagements. Most recently, he hosted the civic awards to reward members of the community, held a charity golf day, which raised nearly £4,700 alone, and joined a ceremony to mark the tenth anniversary of the Potters Bar rail crash.

He has been accompanied on his duties throughout the year by his wife, June.

Councillor Knell, who represents Potters Bar Furzefield ward, said: "I have had a very busy, but fantastic year. I have met so many interesting people, who have been truly inspiring and it has been a humbling experience for me.

"I have met Prince Charles, Princess Michael of Kent and survivors from the Holocaust as well as stars from EastEnders.

"I am also very grateful to all those who have shown support for my two charities, donated so generously and got involved in some of the events I organised like the charity golf day.

"In particular I would like to thank my charity committee chairman Councillor Martin Worster. All the support is really appreciated and the money is going to two great causes."

Council leader Morris Bright said Councillor Knell had "served the people of Hertsmere with great dignity and pride."

Ann Harrison, leader of the Labour group added: "The best word to describe your time in office is enthusiasm. All the way through your time as mayor you have brought great enthusiasm for your job and we thank you."

New mayor Councillor Strack, who represents the Borehamwood Kenilworth ward, said she would take on her new role with gusto and announced her chosen charity will be Hertfordshire Air Ambulance. She already has a number of events planned including a jazz evening next month, garden party in July and a football match in October at Arsenal training ground.

She said: "I have already enjoyed a busy year as deputy mayor and met many lovely people across the borough. I look forward to continuing this."

The new deputy mayor, Councillor Griffin, of Aldenham West ward, has been a councillor since 2007 and will be supported at events by his wife, Wendy.