COMMUNITY-MINDED councillor Mike Underwood was elected as Chudleigh’s mayor on Monday evening.

Cllr Underwood, who has been a town councillor for the last two years, is involved with many of different organisations and is a former chairman of the primary school’s governing body and a founder member of both the history society and Chudfest.

The chain of office was given to Cllr Underwood, who is also trustee of the Sports Centre and director of the recently formed Chudleigh Community Interest Company, by outgoing mayor Cllr Richard Keeling.

Cllr Underwood has selected the Devon Air Ambulance and the 1st Chudleigh Scout Group as his chosen charities for the year.

Having lived in the town for more than 30 years, Cllr Underwood hopes to use his experiences to further serve Chudleigh and thanked his fellow councillors for electing him mayor.

The title of deputy mayor was given to Cllr Clare Lillington, who has replaced Cllr Underwood, last year’s deputy.