WORCESTER has elected an Asian Deputy Mayor for the first time in its history.

Councillor Allah Ditta, who represents the All Saints ward, was sworn in as the city's second citizen at the annual meeting of the council last night.

The Mayor for the next twelve months will be Councillor Gareth Jones, who represents the St Stephen ward.

Worcester has had a mayoralty for almost four hundred years and in that time has never had an Asian Mayor or Deputy Mayor.

Coun Francis Lankester nominated his fellow ward councillor for the prestigious post.

He described the father-of-six and grandfather-of-one as an "archetypal family man" who is always willing to help people.

Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams, who seconded the nomination, said Coun Ditta was a conscientious and hard-working man.

"He has carried that character into his work as a councillor in his own ward and in the support of others where they have needed his help," he said.

Coun Ditta thanked members for electing him.

"It is an honourable position that you have given me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart," he said.

"I will defend this city and promote it to the best of my ability," he added.