A MAYOR says he feels “helpless” in his historic role as the coronavirus pandemic continues to restrict large gatherings.

Councillor Alan Robins said social distancing measures caused by the virus have limited his ability to carry out his duties.

Cllr Robins was elected as mayor of Brighton and Hove in May, replacing Green Councillor Alexandra Phillips, who took part in more than 350 engagements during her year at the helm.

Cllr Robins feels frustrated not being able to help his chosen charities, as the lack of events and fundraising means they are not receiving the exposure they normally would.

He said: “For me, that is what the job is all about.

“We can meet and talk on the phone and take care of each other which I know is great and better than nothing, but it doesn’t compare with being able to meet, 20, 30, 40, 50 people in a room.

“It is about meeting people face to face and seeing people smile.

“Hopefully, it won’t be too long until we can get back to at least something like that.

“You just feel sort of helpless that you can’t be doing all that you feel you could.”

The mayor of Brighton and Hove is not directly elected by the people and therefore holds no direct power.

Unusually, Brighton and Hove City Council decided Cllr Robins will hold the position for two years “due to the current impact of coronavirus on mayoral duties”.

He hopes the move will mitigate the impact the lack of events has had on fundraising.

He said: “We can do a lot of what we’ve always done, but it just limited to the fact you have to do it virtually on the screen. Hopefully for my next year, we’ll be able to have a full year of what we normally do. That way we can lift their profile and hold events and raise money and help them that way.”