THE new mayor of Bovey Tracey is Cllr Avril Kerswell. She was voted in at this week’s full town council meeting and takes over from Cllr Tony Allen.

In her acceptance speech, Cllr Kerswell promised to do her utmost for the town.

Retiring mayor, Cllr Allen, said his year in office had been a busy one with little free time. On a personal level the highlight had been his establishment and stewardship of the first Green Man festival.

As more than one nomination was received for the position of deputy mayor, the council took the unusual step of holding a secret ballot, which saw votes cast in favour of Cllr Janet Blair.

A councillor for just two years, Cllr Blair thanked fellow members for this show of confidence and for the encouragement and advice she had received in her time as councillor.