MAUREEN Jones has been appointed Newham's new Civic Ambassador.

Cllr Jones, who is affectionately known as Poppet, was born in Canning Town and represents Canning Town South ward.

She said: "I am particularly proud of the achievements of the young people of this borough and also very proud to belong to such a diverse community.

"I will do my best to be a good ambassador for Newham and I am looking forward to visiting many of our schools and many of the older people in the borough."

Cllr Jones, who worked for the council for 30 years until her retirement, will use her year in office to raise money for the Manor Park-based care charity CYANA Cancer You Are Not Alone.

She takes over the role from Cllr Patricia Holland. Her religious adviser for the year will be Cllr Rev Quintin Peppiatt.

The deputy chair of the council and Deputy Civic Ambassador is bus driver Cllr Pearson Shillingford.

Cllr Shillingford represents East Ham South ward. He is a member of many voluntary organisations including the Dominica UK Association and most recently Newham Rotary Club.

This year's annual civic service will take place on July 3 at St Mary Magdalene Church, in High Street South, East Ham, from 10am.