Ashburton town councillor and former mayor Tony Pugh has become the new portreeve.
He was inducted into office at the Annual Law Day of the Courts Leet and Baron Jury on Tuesday.
Cllr Pugh said he was proud to become the 1,186th person to hold the office. 'This is the oldest civil appointment in the country. In London the Lord Mayor is on 890-odd. It goes back a long, long way. There are too many of these ancient traditions which have been dropped. Modern life is built on history, this is a very important part of Ashburton history.'
John Germon has carried on the family tradition in becoming the new bailiff. His father, John Germon, as well as being town clerk, was bailiff before becoming portreeve. He is currently steward to the courts. Pam Lodder, the town's former district nurse, now 80, received a Certificate of Merit for her work as president of the local St John Ambulance, Meals on Wheels, Books on Wheels and other local groups.
Four children from Ashburton Primary School received awards for good citizenship and good behaviour. Paige Pittkin was presented with the Coronation Cup, Stanley Carrodus won the Truscott Cup, and Ashleigh Gale and Callum Williams both received the Portreeve's Pence.
Around 20 Presentments were passed on subjects ranging from parking problems to uneven pavements. Cllr Pugh said that Ashburton Court Leet and Baron Jury was one of the few courts still legally entitled to make Presentments.
'They are usually things that the council is acting on. It is another string to the bow. It's not just the council but townsfolk who think something needs to be done.'