Newry, Mourne and Down District Council elected its first unionist chairperson at the annual general meeting on June 1.

DUP councillor Glyn Hanna will hold the position for the coming year.

Hanna has represented the area as a councillor since 2014.

He stated that the appointment marks the first time a unionist has held the chairperson role in the council.

SDLP councillor Doire Finn was nominated as deputy chairperson.

Finn described the nomination as an honour and noted the importance of community values developed while growing up in the area.

Hanna said he is a veteran and a Mourne man who has worked to serve the community over the years.