A new Lord Mayor of Leicester took office last night, pledging to support a cancer charity which looked after his younger brother before he died.
Councillor Mustafa Kamal was elected Leicester's first citizen, taking over the civic chains from retiring Lord Mayor Abdul Osman.
The Labour member for the city's Stoneygate ward was chosen by his fellow councillors for the ceremonial position.
Coun Kamal told guests at the Town Hall last night that he would be backing Macmillan Cancer Support during his year in office.
The former deputy council leader said he lost both his mother, Feteh Begum, and his brother, Ahmed Aslam, to cancer.
He said the charity, which employs nurses to care for cancer sufferers, had made a huge difference to his brother, who died aged 64.
"They were so kind to him and looked after him so well," said Coun Kamal.
"I promised myself that if I was ever in a position to support them, I would do it."
The retired railway worker and union official said: "It is a great honour for me to become the Lord Mayor. I am really looking forward to the next 12 months serving the city of Leicester."
Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester's city mayor, which unlike the lord mayor's role is a political post, said: "It has been my privilege to have known Coun Kamal for many, many years as a colleague and a friend.
"He has a long record of public service in Leicester."
Sir Peter said Coun Kamal had "innate sound judgement", a light touch and a warm personality.
He added: "He is a superb representative of Leicester. There can be few people more fitted to being its first citizen.
"He will be a superb lord mayor."
Coun Kamal said he would not be following the usual tradition of appointing a chaplain for his term.
Outgoing Lord Mayor Coun Osman was praised for his own year in office, in which he attended 546 civic engagements and raised more than £80,000 for the Stroke Appeal at Leicester's hospitals, which has provided money to buy vital medical equipment.
Coun Osman said he was delighted to have held the role in the year of the London Olympic Games, the Diamond Jubilee and the discovery of Richard III's remains in Leicester.
The role of the lord mayor has come under scrutiny in recent years, with critics saying it was no longer necessary.
However, councillors last night stressed how important it was as part of the city's heritage and tradition.
Labour group chairman Coun Patrick Kitterick said: "The delight the presence of the lord mayor brings to the people of Leicester is truly valued."
Long-serving councillor John Thomas was elected as Coun Kamal's Deputy Lord Mayor and Councillor Ted Cassidy became High Bailiff of Leicester.
