A town's new mayor has set out his plans for the year ahead after he was sworn into office.

The mayor making event at Bridport Town Hall, which saw more than 70 people attend, saw outgoing mayor, Cllr Anne Rickard, pass on the role to Cllr Barry Irvine.

Cllr Rickard described the incoming mayor as a 'thoughtful, kind and excellent person who has the right qualities to take over as mayor.'

In his welcome speech, the new mayor said: "Let me begin by taking the opportunity to thank my predecessor Anne for her nomination. I've been on the town council since 2015, and deputy mayor for 12 months. During this time, I hope I have gained enough experience.

"I moved to Bridport in 2006 and arrived as a newcomer. I was made to feel part of the community."

Cllr Irvine then went on to take pride in the groups and events in Bridport, and announced that his charities will be Bridport Youth and Community Centre and Mindfest.

He also said how he hoped that local schools and groups would be encouraged to sign the citizens charter.

Reflecting on her year as town mayor, Cllr Rickard said: "As the outgoing town mayor, it has been the greatest pleasure in my life, and a huge honour to do over the past year. The opportunity to take up the invitation to visit many towns in West Dorset has meant I've had new experiences to meet new towns and people. I have had several highlights, all Bridport based.

"Bridport becoming a Rights Respecting town, the first in England to do so, to see come together in my year as mayor was very special."

She also commented on how the different projects in Bridport were a gift, with each project having a tale to tell, and showed what had been achieved to the dignitaries who visited on Civic Day. She then went on to thank the people who supported her, including her husband, Cllr Dave Rickard.

She said: "This role doesn't run on its own and requires lots of support.

"I will start with my husband Cllr Dave Rickard, my greatest supporter and prop, who has been my trusty consort, information bank and chauffeur."

Thanks were then given to the mayoral assistant Linda Bullock, town clerk Bob Gillis, town surveyor Daryl Chambers, council leader Cllr Sarah Williams, town crier John Collingwood and the mace bearers.

Several other positions were then confirmed for the coming year.

Previous mayor of two terms, cllr Martin Ray, was nominated by cllr Gillian Massey to be deputy mayor.

She said: "People like Martin helped see us on our way to being a rights respecting town."

Full support was given to cllr Ray from his fellow councillors for the role, and thanked them for his nomination.

The role as leader of the council will remain with Cllr Sarah Williams, who was nominated by cllr Dave Rickard.

Cllr D. Rickard said: "Cllr Sarah Williams has done the role for several years, and brought a great deal of consistency and gravitas to the role.

"She has a wealth of experience, and you know the job is in safe hands with Sarah."

In her acceptance speech, cllr Williams made clear that the main challenge was to ensure Bridport was ready for the changes in local government.

When Cllr Williams finished her speech, she said: "Thank you Bob and my fellow councillors, but most of all, thank you brilliant Bridport."