Ashburton has its second mayor in a year after the surprise departure of Brian Miller who was appointed in May.

Mr Miller, who has also quit his seat on the town council, left after telling colleagues in a letter that it was 'time for a change', although details of his departure have not been made public.

Mr Miller, a part-time employee in the workshop at the Glendinning quarry on the edge of town, is thought to be living in Heathfield.

Attempts by the town council and this paper to contact him have been fruitless.

Town clerk John Germon said the resignation had come as 'a surprise' but that it was business as usual for the town, which on Tuesday elected Cllr Andrew Prince as Mr Miller's replacement.

Cllr Prince has served as deputy mayor for the past two years and was a mayoral nominee in May, only to lose out to Cllr Miller.

Pleased with his unexpected appointment, the first time he has served as mayor, he told the Advertiser: 'I'm delighted to be able to serve the community I've lived in for 25 years and look forward to carrying on the traditions that embody this fine town.

'It was a private decision by Brian Miller to resign and so there had to be an election for his replacement.

'I didn't seek election but my name was put forward and I was delighted to accept.'

Cllr Prince, 53, is a lecturer in navigation and education and has taught at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, and in Plymouth.

He is currently seeking a new post.

He has been married to Sarah for 24 years and has two daughters, 21-year-old Eleanor and 19-year-old Imogen, both of whom are students.

Ashburton Town Council will seek to fill Mr Miller's seat by co-opting a new member unless a group of ten residents demands an election.