The next mayor of Brighton and Hove has been named as David Smith.
The long-serving Conservative councillor from Woodingdean, Brighton, will take over as the city's ceremonial leader in May, when current mayor Bob Carden will become his deputy.
Coun Smith, 70, was first elected to Brighton Borough Council in 1974.
After representing Woodingdean for 21 years, he became a ward member for Rottingdean Coastal in the newly formed Brighton and Hove City Council in 1998.
The former estate agent has been credited with ensuring the Royal Pavilion was kept open to the public all year round and for helping to secure funds for its restoration.
Coun Smith is not the first mayor of that name. Another David Smith, of no relation, was mayor in 1882.
Coun Smith said he hoped to be a "front man for culture, tourism and sports in the city as the London Olympics 2012 approached. The councillor denied that the position of mayor was outdated.
He said: "It is part of our heritage. We better keep our heritage, otherwise the Royal Pavilion would have to be brought down.
"I want to keep Brighton on the map."
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