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The Mayor of the West of England says there is "more to do and the best is yet to come" as she marks six months in office.

Labour's Helen Godwin was sworn in as the head of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) in May after securing 25.0% of the vote.

As leader of the regional authority, which covers Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, she has the power to make decisions on areas such as jobs, transport, the environment, planning and business support.

Since taking the helm, Ms Godwin said Weca had secured nearly £1bn including £752m for improving buses, more trains, and mass transit plans.

“Since May, we have started a new chapter for the West," she said. "I’m proud to be doing things differently."

She added: “Working with council leaders and partners, we’re investing in new and existing train stations, rolling out green electric buses, and launching new routes.

"Regional funding is supporting better walking and cycling options across the West, and investing in parks and high streets."

The mayor also highlighted government investment of £40m in Twerton, a suburb of Bath, and Hartcliffe, in Bristol; the devolving of £25m for the region's creative industries; and funding of solar panels for two dozen schools.

In July, the mayor confirmed plans to establish a new business board that would advise her, and Weca, on growth opportunities in the region.

Nick Sturge, co-founder of Bristol's Engine Shed, and Jo Dally, chief business officer of South West innovation centre NCC, were appointed as interim chairs for the first 12 months earlier this year.

In September, the mayor unveiled a 10-year Growth Strategy which she said could create tens of thousands of jobs in the region and drive investment.

The 120-page document highlights work to generate more clean energy, plans to tackle the housing crisis, and proposals to develop so-called 'growth zones' across the region.

“We’ve made a strong start," Ms Godwin added. “Together, we’ve launched an ambitious new Growth Strategy with a plan for 72,000 new jobs over the coming decade.

"Our new business board will help secure investment while the Youth Guarantee gets more young people into work and training."