Women’s rights and healthy lifestyles are set to become central to the agenda at Barking and Dagenham Council.

As part of the push, councillors Afolasade Bright and Syed Ahammad have been made the council’s new champions for women and equalities and healthy lifestyles respectively

Cllr Darren Rodwell, leader of the council, said: “These two councillors are already leading by example and I am sure they will work closely with members of the community to make a difference.”

Cllr Bright has experience in working with women from different backgrounds and cultures, with her women’s organisation, Sapphirez.

She said: “I am really excited and looking forward to doing what I love to do best – championing the causes of women.

“Women are a great asset and deserve this recognition.”

Cllr Ahammad said: “It’s no secret our borough has plenty of challenges in terms of health.

“But I cannot and do not accept we can’t change things for the better.

“It will be my mission to help encourage residents to get fitter, healthier and happier.”