A new leader has been appointed at Forest of Dean District Council.

Despite a push by independent councillors at Coleford for Tim Gwillam to return to the role, yesterday's meeting voted in favour of appointing Cllr Topping's fellow Green, Cllr Adrian Birch, who represents the Tidenham ward.

Cllr Adrian Birch said: "It is a great honour to be named as leader of Forest of Dean District Council and it was gratifying to receive such emphatic cross-party support. I am excited to get to work and deliver on our ambitious priorities on behalf of all the residents, communities, and businesses in the Forest."

He thanked Cllr Topping for his hard work in the role and aded "I know that he will continue to provide great service as a councillor for residents in Lydney West & Aylburton and the wider Forest of Dean. In his year as leader, he's laid a solid foundation for us to continue to build on.

"As a council, we want to help our communities and local economy to thrive, whilst ensuring that we protect and enhance our natural environment and be on target to be carbon neutral by 2030. I'm thrilled to help deliver on these targets and look forward to working with councillors, officers, and partners to provide long-lasting benefits for people across the district.

Cllr Birch steps across from his role as leader of the cabinet for the Built Environment.