Rowley Regis-born hairdresser turned councillor Janice Boswell has proved she's a cut above after being made chairman of Bromsgrove District Council.

After seven years as a district councillor, the 64-year-old - who left school at 15 with no qualifications - still can't quite believe she's landed the top job.

She said: "It's a privilege and an honour to be given this position.

"I'm a retired hairdresser and I came from very humble beginnings.

"I think it's magical.

"I feel as if I'm Dick Whittington and i'm really looking forward to it.

"There's lots of good things happening at the moment, it's an exciting time for Bromsgrove District Council."

Janice (pictured), who was born in Throne Road, Rowley Regis, became a councillor in April 2000 - winning the Furlongs seat for the Tories in a by-election.

Always on-the-go and tirelessly community-spirited, she now lives in Belbroughton and is also an advisory councillor for Sunfield School in Clent and is on Bromsgrove's Carnival Committee.

She has also helped rake in the cash for Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Hospice and Belbroughton's Animal Sanctuary and Protection.

And for her year as chairman her chosen charities will be Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove and Dogs for the Disabled.

She added: "I've raised money for Mary Stevens Hospice in the past so helping the terminally ill is a cause that's very close to my heart - and Dogs for the Disabled do a fantastic job."