THE new Mayor of Whitchurch was officially appointed at the town’s annual meeting.

Councillor Jackie Day was chosen by her fellow councillors to take the role for the next year, with Cllr Linda Thomas as her deputy.

Outgoing mayor Cllr Barry Jackman formerly handed over the robes, and wished his successor luck in the role.

He said he and his wife Sandra had enjoyed their year in office, adding: “It’s been a great pleasure to represent and support our home town in so many ways. We have attended many engagements together. I have been asked what event I thought was the best. It’s impossible to select the best but there have been several highlights.”

Cllr Jackman said his highlights included the painting of the 20th bollard in a project to decorate the town’s bollards with artwork, Remembrance Day, switching on the Christmas lights, and various campaigns in the town, including one for faster broadband.

Cllr Jackman presented Pat Cooper, the departing assistant to the town clerk, with an orchid, to thank her for her 19 years of work. Town Clerk Cathy Burt was also presented with an orchid.

New mayor Cllr Day was applauded as she re-entered the room in the mayoral robes, accompanied by her husband and consort Ian.

The 47-year-old, who lives in Meadow View, Whitchurch, said: “I would like to thank the members of the council for their help and support and I look forward to a good year, which I’m sure it will be.”