A mental health charity is set to receive the support of Cherwell District Council's new chairman after he was elected to the position earlier this month.

Councillor Dr Chukwudi Okeke has pledged to raise funds for Oxfordshire Mind during his term of office.

The charity, which has offices and wellbeing centres in locations including Abingdon, Banbury, Cowley and Witney, provides services to residents navigating mental health issues, offering advice and support and campaigning for positive changes.

Dr Okeke assumed the position of council chair on May 22, making history as the council's first chairman from a black ethnic minority.

He said: "I got into politics to promote a healthy society where everyone, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, and social background, can thrive.

"I made history two years ago by becoming the first councillor from a black ethnic minority elected to this council.

"History has been repeated today as I become the first member of the same background to hold the position of the chairman of Cherwell District Council."

Born in Eastern Nigeria, Dr Okeke studied at Oxford Brookes University before moving to Banbury.

His role as chairman will include overseeing meetings of district councillors, accepting invitations on behalf of the council to attend events, and inviting individuals and organisations to council events.

Councillor Les Sibley, the outgoing chairman, raised more than £20,000 for Bicester-based charity Alexandra House of Joy during his two years in the role.