Tandridge District Council's Chairman for 2011-2012 is Councillor Brian Perkins. The previous chairman, Councillor Alan Jones, presented him with the ceremonial chain of office when he was elected at last night's Annual Council meeting.

The Vice-Chairman of the Council, also elected at last night's meeting, is Councillor Sakina Bradbury, who represents Whyteleafe Ward.

Councillor Perkins has represented Lingfield & Crowhurst Ward since 2002. For the past year he has been the Council Vice-Chairman and a member of the Housing Committee. During the last nine years he has served on many committees and was for a while seconded onto the Surrey Health Scrutiny Committee.

He also represents the Council on outside bodies, particularly those dealing with care and sport and was a district member of Surrey County Council's Local Committee.

The Chairman has chosen the following charities to support during his year:

St John Ambulance which teaches people first aid and supports numerous events throughout the country, as well as NHS hospitals in emergencies and transporting patients.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust – the UK's most common life threatening inherited disease.

Tandridge Community Fund – a fund set in trust for perpetuity, with the proceeds being made available for Tandridge charities, particularly those having difficulty finding support.

Councillor Perkins is a pharmacist, who has worked in many areas, finally moving to Lingfield, where he has worked for most of his career. Councillor Perkins' Consort will be his wife, Sonia, a retired school music teacher, business partner and parish councillor.