Slough's new mayor has paid poignant tribute to her beloved late father who gave her the confidence that has guided her through life.

Cllr Ishrat Shah (Labour, Farnham), who was formally elected at last night's official 'mayor making' ceremony held at the Curve, spoke of her dad in her acceptance speech.

She told council colleagues: "He gave me the confidence in childhood to achieve my goals and to be successful."

Cllr Shah has spoken openly about her struggles as a single mum with two children who moved from Wales to Slough 13 years ago.

She said: "I feel proud to have been a strong woman - a single mother with no family to support me.

"I never felt weak and I achieved my goals."

She is happy to be a role model for other women and said: "I dedicate my success to all women in similar situations.

"Tough challenges made me a strong and purposeful person."

She said though she was also an 'approachable people's person', adding: "Moving to Slough was the best decision of my life."

Cllr Shah is currently a teaching assistant at Western House Academy in Richards Way.

She lives in Cippenham and has been a councillor since 2012 when she previously represented the Foxborough ward. She is now the first female Muslim in the Slough role.

She has been deputy mayor for the last year and takes over as first citizen from Cllr Arvind Dhaliwal (Lab, Elliman).

The new deputy mayor is Cllr Paul Sohal (Lab, Wexham Lea), a 66-year-old grandfather who has been a councillor for 18 years.

Cllr Sohal, of The Normans, was also formally elected last night.

He said: "I believe in justice, equality and fairness in our society."