SOUTHAMPTON'S first Muslim mayor was "overwhelmed" to be given a prestigious award for promoting social and racial harmony in the city.

Councillor Parvin Damani, who ended her 12-month tenure as Southampton's first citizen in June this year, has been awarded the first Community Fellow Award at Southampton Institute.

"I felt terribly honoured and privileged. It was a delightful surprise for me," said the 55-year-old public health specialist.

"I am quite overwhelmed to be the first person to get the award,"

Throughout her mayoral year Cllr Damani became a familiar face to many while carrying out an impressive 711 engagements.

Through her tireless efforts she raised £10,500 for her chosen charities SCRATCH (Southampton City and Region Action to Combat Hardship) and Southampton Voluntary Services.

Also, she helped to raise the profile of the city's ethnic minorities and appointed a group of seven faith advisers to reflect the multifaith make-up of Southampton.

"I did my best and really put my heart and soul into being mayor. I miss meeting all the different people and seeing their daily lives.

"It was a good year and the people of Southampton made it that way."

The Labour councillor for the Bargate area received the award, a framed certificate, at Southampton Institute's graduation dinner from the chairman of governors Professor Glyn Tonge.

The awards are to be made annually to people for their contribution to Southampton's community life.

Southampton Institute principal Professor Roger Brown said: "Southampton Institute takes its obligations to the city and community of Southampton very seriously as a further indication that the institute has decided to establish this new award."