WESTBURY Town Council elected its new mayor and deputy mayor for the coming year at a Town Council meeting on Tuesday, May 3.

Councillor Stephen Andrews, who was deputy mayor last year, was elected as the town's new mayor and will replace Cllr David Bradshaw.

Cllr Andrews said: “I’m very happy to be mayor and I’m looking forward to my year in office.

“I’ve been on the council for nine years so I feel that I've really learned the ropes and know what the job entails.

"Being the deputy last year was a bit like an apprenticeship in a way, and I've learned a lot from David, who did an excellent job as mayor.

"I hope to continue David's brilliant charity work in the town, and will be raising money for Carer Support Wiltshire and Welfare of the Elderly over the next money.

"The council also plans to fund refurbishment work for Grassacres Hall, and to produce a neighbourhood plan over the next year."

Mayoral duties include chairing the town council, attending civic events, raising the profile of the local community and council, promoting public involvement in the council’s activities, and raising money for chosen charities.

Speaking of his year as mayor, Cllr Bradshaw said: “It has been a very hectic but satisfying year which seems to have passed so very quickly.

"Some of the most memorable moments have been being able to raise £3,000 for my chosen charities, Welfare of the Elderly and Crosspoint, inaugurating Rue de Westbury in our twinned town and visiting care homes on Christmas Eve.

“It’s goodbye from me and thank you to the people of Westbury for making it an enjoyable year, I wish our new mayor every success in the forthcoming year."

The council’s new deputy mayor will be Gordon King, who will replace Cllr Andrews.

At the meeting, Cllr David Jenkins offered his thanks to Cllr Bradshaw and commended him particularly for his charity work in the town.