Bristol's first majority Liberal Democrat council has met for the first time, electing a leader and Lord Mayor from the party's ranks.

At the council's annual meeting yesterday, Barbara Janke was re-elected as leader, this time at the head of a majority rather than a minority administration.

Mrs Janke paid tribute to councillors of all parties who had lost seats or retired at the last election for their service to their communities.

And of the Lib Dems' progress from minority opposition party to taking overall control, she said: "This is a very proud and moving moment for us. It has been a long march."

The party's 36 councillors give it a slim overall majority following the June 4 poll, with the Tories on 17 seats, Labour on 16 and one Green member.

Lord Mayor Chris Davies was overcome with emotion as he accepted the post at the Council House for a second term.

Councillor Davies wavered after spelling out what makes Bristol such a great place to live.

He said: "Personally, I have never wanted to live anywhere else."

A few moments later, he said: "I'm sorry about that. I'm very passionate about Bristol."

He promised to serve the city to the best of his ability and uphold the historic traditions of Lord Mayor.

He said during his second term of office, he wanted to finish visiting every neighbourhood in the city as well as every school and college.

Councillors from all sides of the chamber paid tribute to Mr Davies's first year, saying he had served with dignity and aplomb.

Lib Dem Gary Hopkins said: "We should regard Chris as a piece of Bristol rock with 'public service' all the way through the middle."

Labour Councillor Brenda Hugill, who retained her Lawrence Hill seat by just nine votes in the local elections, has taken over from Labour councillor Royston Griffey as deputy Lord Mayor.

The post of Lord Mayor is a figurehead role to represent the city at local, national and international level.

The post is politically neutral and one of the Lord Mayor's tasks is to chair the full council meetings.

The Lord Mayor last year attended more than 800 events and functions, from visiting young children in primary schools to hosting receptions for visiting VIPs.

The new council cabinet comprises deputy leader Simon Cook (executive member for culture, sport and capital projects), Clare Campion-Smith (children and young people), Gary Hopkins (environment and community safety), Bev Knott (care and neighbourhoods), Mike Popham (efficiency and value for money), Jon Rogers (transport and sustainability) and Mark Wright (housing and service improvement, with responsibility for IT).

Mrs Janke said one of the administration's priorities was to give more say to residents over spending in their neighbourhoods.