A NEW Mayor of Evesham has been elected.
Councillor Alan Booth has been elected as mayor for the forthcoming civic year.
At the Annual Council meeting held on Monday (May 15), councillor Mark Goodge passed over the chains of office.
The new mayor paid tribute to councillor Goodge, congratulating him on a “successful” year despite “plenty of challenges”.
“Thank you all who joined me at my inauguration as mayor of this beautiful Town,” said councillor Booth.
“It is a great honour and gives me a feeling of humbleness to realise that so many people have enough faith in me to take on this office.
“I was extremely happy to see so many friends together.
“Thank you for making it a great night.”
He added: “I hope that in the next 12 months we, the council, achieve things never thought possible to bring this town of ours out of the doldrums and put pride back in our town.
“Thank you all and good luck.”
As part of the ceremony, the outgoing mayor presented a Civic Award to Mick Hurst, lead organiser of the Battle of Evesham Festival, the Artisan Christmas Fayre and the Spring Medieval Market.
READ AGAIN: Final preparations underway ahead of Evesham Medieval Market
The mayor’s charities were also announced at the Mayor Making Ceremony, which was the 419th in the town's history.
This year funds raised will go to Evesham Shopmobility, Working World and Garage Arts Group.
Councillor Booth’s consort and mayoress will be councillor Chrissy Smith.
Meanwhile, councillor Sarah Schaathun has been elected deputy mayor.
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