BRIDPORT has a new mayor now that Cllr Anne Rickard has taken over the chain of office from Cllr Ros Kayes.

The ceremonial handover took place at a packed meeting on Thursday in the town hall.

Cllr Rickard was nominated by Cllr Sarah Horniman who said she would be a wonderful ambassador for Bridport, someone who was a genuine, sincere person who radiated warmth.

Cllr Horniman, whose nomination was read out by Cllr Kayes,said: "She has great style and elegance and is passionate about the environment

"She is a good listener and observer and is intelligent and insightful, capable of setting boundaries and holding people to account."

Cllr Anne Rickard paid tribute to her predecessor and said she, and all the past mayors would be hard acts to follow.

She said: "I am really honoured and pleased to have been appointed to this position and how grateful to be nominated and supported by my fellow councillors.

"I recognise this as a very responsible role to hold for the town.

"I am somewhat surprised to find myself here following in the footsteps of all these learned people here - it is humbling and although I don't feel intimidated it is nevertheless quite some act to follow.

"This was not on my bucket list of things to do in my life but I am so proud to be here."

She said Bridport was an amazing town, full of exceptional people who make things happen.

She also paid tribute to the town 'unbeatable' council team - "without whom we'd be a lot less amazing."

She added: "I will take on this role to the very best of my ability."

She said her charities would embrace the themes of young people, the environment and developing the town as a rights respecting one.

She added: "Our youth are our future. They deserve a good a start in life as we can give them in a planet worth living in.

"Local food and drink, for which Bridport has an increasingly good reputation, will also be part of my aims this year. to support both businesses and producers wherever possible.

Cllr Barry Irvine was sworn in as deputy mayor and Cllr Sarah Williams elected again as council leader.

Cllr Irvine said: "This is a wonderful place to live. You have welcomed this Irish immigrant and I feel very much at home here in beautiful Dorset.

"I feel very part of the community there is always so much happening and going on in Bridport - it's a vibrant friendly community which welcomes newcomers."

He said he stood as a councillor to 'give something back to the community'.

"And you can't keep an Irish man out of politics."

thanked ros kayes for doing an excellent job