THE new mayor of Alcester has been elected as Yvonne Hine at a meeting of the town council held last week.

She said that she considered it an honour to be representing the community of the town.

"Although there are challenging times ahead I'm sure as a town council we will do our best for the town and its people. I want to work with the local parish councils and local groups to promote our town," she added.

"We have a great town and community that we should all be proud of and give as much support as possible to, to sustain our own individuality."

Mrs Hine moved to Alcester in 1977 where she spent many happy years and became a town councillor as she felt it was time to give something back to the town and the people who made her so welcome all those years ago.

She is a staunch supporter of local traditions such as the Alcester Mop, the Street Market, the Christmas lights and Alcester in Bloom. Her son Stephen will be acting as consort.

Outgoing mayor Mark Cargill said his highlights of the year were difficult to place in order.

"A few short hours spent at the Guide Dogs training centre gave a humbling insight into what blind people experience every day while visiting the Side by Side Theatre Group for people with learning difficulties was quite inspirational and something I will always remember," he said

"We have now started the process leading to publication of our Neighbourhood Plan. This vital document will define and detail our proposals for development within Alcester for many years to come. This also gives us an opportunity to engage with the local parishes around Alcester. I really hope that this will be the beginning of a closer working relationship."

He also thanked the many friendships that helped sustain the town council over the year and hoped the new digital communications methods the council is using will encourage younger people to become involved in local councils.