The first Asian woman in Britain to become a Lord Mayor has been inaugurated.

Manjula Sood, 60, donned the robes and chains of the first citizen of Leicester in a ground-breaking ceremony at the city's town hall.

Council officials say the appointment sets a nationwide precedent.

Mrs Sood, a mother-of-two, said: "To be the first in Leicester is a great honour, but to be the first in Britain is a really great achievement, I feel. Leicester is my home. I have lived here for the last 38 years.

"It's a great honour and privilege for me to be mayor of a city with such a beautiful diversity."