FILMED by tv crews from Malaysia and Hong Kong, Helen Chuah became the first foreign-born Mayor of Colchester.

Mrs Chuah took her oath of office, put on the ceremonial robes and received the badge and chain of office in front of more than 200 friends, family members and fellow members of Colchester Council in the Moot Hall.

The St Anne’s councillor, who moved to Colchester from the island of Penang in Malaysia in 1971, was filmed by television crews from Malaysia TV and the Chinese Channel, part of Hong Kong TGB.

She told those assembled at the ceremony, including partner Mike Hogg, a fellow councillor who was also mayor a decade ago, that she hoped the international attention would bring benefits to Colchester.