It's that time of year again - the election of new town mayors.

Bridport 's outgoing mayor, Cllr Anne Rickard, will hand over the reigns during Bridport Town Council's annual meeting this evening.

Cllr Rickard's last official engagement took place on Saturday when, at a gathering at Bucky Doo Square, cheques were handed out to her chosen charities - Bridport Youth and Community Centre, Transition Town Bridport and Bridport Citizens' Charter for Rights Respecting.

Cllr Rickard said: "The money was raised by various means - my husband and son playing two pianos, busking in Bucky Doo Square, The Mayor's Quiz, a raffle and some generous donations by people in the community.

"On Saturday morning I was pleased that representatives and stalwarts of the charities were able to attend for me to present cheques to them. Brian Shelley for the Youth and Community Centre, Sarah and Sam Wilberforce for TTB, and David Powell for the Citizens' Charter. David held one of the residents' signatory books, which had already been especially made and funded via the mayor's charity fundraising. This book is available in the TIC to receive signatures from any resident in the Bridport area who wishes to sign in support of our Citizens' Charter.

"These three groups are close to my heart - the youth and community centre was saved by a community trust when the county council could no longer support it, Transition Town Bridport was originally founded by my husband almost 10 years ago and encourages taking responsibility for thoughtful use of resources and ways to provide a lifestyle which offers a sustainable future for Bridport and beyond. The Bridport Citizens' Charter for Rights Respecting came out of the work being done in our local schools, where students had learned about rights alongside responsibilities and where we recognised this needed to get beyond the school gates and into the wider community.

"I warmly thank everyone who contributed to the funds raised - I know they have gone to three very worthy causes."

Lyme Regis Town Council also elected a new chairman and mayor at a ceremony at the Guildhall last night.