Braveheart - the charity for psychologically scarred soldiers - is to be this year's official mayoral charity after Councillor Frances Stainton succeeded Councillor Adronie Alford in the role on Wednesday night.

The charity is dedicated to the relief and healing of the psychological and emotional scars of war, both with serving members of the armed forces and veterans.

It is funding a five-year long scientific research project with Oxford University, which began this spring, that uses neurological technology to study how the brain is affected by combat related post-traumatic stress disorder.

Speaking after after her appointment as mayor, Ms Stainton said: "I am looking forward to carrying out the role and I am going to ask everyone to help my chosen charity with all their hearts.

"I felt many charities were helping soldiers with prosthetic limbs and giving counselling. They are superb. Braveheart looks at the causes of post traumatic stress, which is immensely valuable.

"I have a number of military friends and have seen evidence of this disorder. Having met some people who have been affected by this issue in the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation in Fulham, I feel they have given so much and they deserve all the help we can find for them."

Ms Stainton, whose deputy will be councillor Belinda Donovan, became a councillor in 1990 and and has served as chief whip, cabinet member for regeneration and later cabinet member for parks, culture and heritage.

She oversaw the regeneration of Fulham Palace and was instrumental in bringing Lottery Heritage funding to the borough for the restoration of Bishops Park, Fulham Palace grounds and the ancient moat.

Ms Stainton is a keen art collector and has exhibited her oil paintings in Paris, London and Rome.

Her late husband was Suffolk MP, Keith Stainton.

A new cabinet was also announced at the meeting:

Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, leader and cabinet member for economic and housing development

Cllr Nicholas Botterill, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment and asset management

Cllr Mark Loveday, cabinet Member for strategy and chief whip

Cllr Helen Binmore, cabinet member for children’s services

Cllr Joe Carlebach, cabinet member for community care

Cllr Harry Phibbs, cabinet member for community engagement

Cllr Andrew Johnson, cabinet member for housing

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services