Tributes poured in for Cllr Jim O’Shea on Thursday as the outgoing Mayor of Redbridge signed off in style.

Mr O’Shea has been replaced by Snaresbrook ward Cllr Chris Cummins after his year long term in which he attended more than 600 appointments.

At a full council meeting at Redbridge Town Hall in High Road, Ilford councillors gave “heart warming” thanks to him and Mayoress Mary O’Shea for their efforts representing the borough.

Mr O’Shea said: “The meeting very humbling just like the whole experience has been.

“We worked hard but there are others who did so much to make the year a success and I was pleased to be able to give recognition to them.

“We grew into the role and embraced it which made it more enjoyable and this positivity radiated to all the people we met.

“The fact councillors appreciated our work was heart warming and the comments made almost brought a tear to my eye at one stage.

“I was also pleased they mentioned the efforts of Mary as without her I wouldn’t have been able to achieve as much as I did.”

The kind words were led by Clayhall ward Cllr Robert Cole who said it gave him great pleasure to propose a vote of thanks.

He said: “During the past year Jim has represented the borough extremely well and has done us all proud.

“He has visited the many fantastic organisations that we have been blessed with and has been very appreciative of the work of carers.

“I must also thank the contribution given by Mary who has been charming in supporting Jim.

Seven Kings ward Cllr Bob Littlewood said: “You symbolise this council’s determination to protect the services and have gone above the call of duty this year particularly when you cracked your ribs.

“You have performed absolutely brilliantly and the Labour group thanks you very much for that.”

Fellow Monkhams ward Cllr Michael Stark said: “It has been a great year for Jim who has been taking things forward and introducing new events.

“I’d like to say how much we value him locally and how much we have enjoyed his time as mayor.”

Council Leader Keith Prince added: “Jim’s drive, enthusiasm and charm has brought something to the role of mayor and he and Mary have been great ambassadors for this borough.”