THE city's new mayor has taken up residence in the parlour at the Guildhall.

Cllr Allah Ditta posed for his official portrait dressed in his mayoral regalia and chain.

Cllr Ditta said: “I look forward to a challenging but fulfilling year as mayor of Worcester. My door is open and one of my aims will be to strengthen communication between Worcester’s communities, bringing people together from all parts of the city.”

Cllr Ditta’s nominated charities during his mayoral year will be St. Richard’s Hospice, Worcester Wheels and Headway Worcestershire. He will also raise funds to support Worcester Cathedral.

He is married to Naseem Akhtar, who will be mayoress. The couple have six children and 12 grandchildren.

This year will be the second time Cllr Ditta has been the city's mayor.

Cllr Jo Hodges is Worcester’s new Deputy Mayor.