MEMBERS of the public filled the council chamber at the Manor House, Dawlish, last week, to witness the signing in of the new mayor and his deputy at the annual meeting of the town council.

Mayor for the forthcoming year is Cllr Wally Protheroe and his deputy is Cllr Graham Price.

After signing the declaration of office, Cllr Protheroe was decorated with the mayor's chain by town crier, Steve Cunliffe.

Cllr Protheroe, who is landlord of the Mount Pleasant Inn, Dawlish Warren, said: 'It is with great pride and pleasure that I accept this office and must thank Cllr Forrow for all of his hard work in the last year.

'During my time, one of my ambitions is to improve youth facilities, as something is really needed for the young in Dawlish. I am looking forward to a productive year.'

Cllr Protheroe's charities for the year are Devon Air Ambulance and Dawlish Action for Youth. Money raised will be split equally between between them.

The new chaplain will be Canon Robin Murch and the mayoress is Mr Protheroe's wife, June.

The mayor's cadet for the forthcoming year is Dawlish ATC's Ashley Kerslake.

Handing over the chains was outgoing mayor Cllr Bill Forrow, who thanked the public and fellow councillors for their support throughout his term of office.

'My year has been a huge learning experience,' he said. 'Even after 16 years on the council, I had been finding out things that I have been totally ignorant of before.

'We have conditioned society to be cynical, but the people of Dawlish have real pride in their civic amenities and I am very grateful to them for the support they have shown me throughout the year.'

Cllr Forrow presented awards showing his appreciation to those who had worked closely with him.

The council chaplain, the Rev John Wilson, and the outgoing mayor's cadet, William Lowe, received book tokens, and town crier Steve Cunliffe and his wife Caroline were given bottles of wine.

His chosen charity for the year, the Royal British Legion Welfare Fund, was presented with a cheque for £1,200.

Hazel Hawkins, of the welfare fund, said: 'We are very grateful to have been given this cheque as we look after a lot of ex-service members in Dawlish.'