THE new chairman of Teignbridge Council has fulfilled a promise he made on his appointment by rowing to an official function.

Cllr Chris Clarance took up his oars and jumped into a rowing boat to cross the River Teign.

He was heading from his home in Shaldon to an official engagement to open the TAAG arts centre in Teignmouth.

During his acceptance speech, Cllr Clarance said he would be prepared to row across the river on official business.

His aim is to save council taxpayers money and to ‘live up to’ the council’s green travel commitment.

Council colleague David Cox said: ‘Chris was told if he capsized they would fish the ‘chain of office’ out first as it was easier to get a new chairman than a new chain.’