LONG-serving Sandown councillor Miss Heather Humby has been elected to serve as the new chairman of the Island's council.

Miss Humby, also a former South Wight Borough councillor, was chosen unanimously at the council's annual meeting at County Hall, Newport, yesterday.

She replaces councillor Vic Morey, who is standing down after two years in the post.

Elected vice-chairman was former council chairman, Liberal Democrat John Bowker, who defeated Tory nomination John Effemey and Labour's Tony Coburn in a vote.

Re-elected as deputy chairman was Ventnor independent councillor, Buster Bartlett.

Miss Humby and other councillors praised Mr Morey for his dedication and fine work as an ambassador for the Island during the past two years.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Shirley Smart, of the Island First controlling coalition, was re-elected council leader.