COUNCILLOR Robin Cook has been elected as the new chairman of East Dorset District Council.

The former president of the Wimborne and District Chamber of Commerce came to live in the town from Broadstone in 1987.

He joined local home furnishing retailer Tappers of Wimborne in 1978, before being elected to Wimborne Minster Town Council in 2003, and has served as a town mayor three times.

In 2009, he was elected to Dorset County Council and represents the Minster Division.

Cllr Cook then became a district councillor in 2011 and is one of the three members representing Wimborne ward.

After 51 years in the home furnishing business, he retired in 2010 to concentrate on council and community work.

The councillor, who has been married to his wife Sue for more than 30 years, said: “I am honoured and consider it a privilege to be the chairman of the council.

“I am looking forward to a rewarding year heading the council and promoting its name and, in addition, fundraising for my charities. I hope to meet as many residents as possible at events and various functions throughout the year.”

Cllr Cook has nominated The Friends of Victoria Hospital and The Alzheimer’s Society, with support from Bournemouth University, as his charities of the year.