TAVISTOCK's new mayor last week predicted a busy year ahead — and pledged to to carry out her new role to the best of her ability.

Cllr Anne Johnson, who served as mayor in 2008, said she was looking forward to the next 12 months.

'It is a big honour and a huge privilege to be chosen as mayor, specially during 2012,' she said. Her mayoral year will begin with celebrations marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Cllr Johnson said she looked forward to working with West Devon Borough Council and the town's other partners and said the Government's Localism Act would mean new challenges and opportunities.

'We are very fortunate to have a council whose members are all working to make Tavistock a better place. It's fortunate to have such a calibre of councillors and to have such a hard working team.'

Cllr Johnson said she looked forward to meeting new people and all those who helped make Tavistock the 'very best' town in Devon.

Outgoing mayor Cllr Philip Sanders proposed Cllr Johnson to the role. He said he had no doubt that she would be a 'superb' mayor and praised her for her 'energy and courage' in taking on the role again so soon after her last term of office.

He said he and his wife Hilary had enjoyed a wonderful 12 months and had been made very welcome during all occasions — a particular highlight had been attending the graduation of students at Chelfham School.

He paid tribute to the council staff for their unfailing support and the 'fantastic' people of Tavistock.

'It's an incredible town, it's amazing, a great place to live, work and play,' he said.

Seconding Cllr Sanders' proposal, Cllr Ted Sherrell said Cllr Johnson was an 'outstanding' member of the council.

Quoting JF Kennedy, he said: 'Does the lady have integrity? Does the lady have unselfishness? Does the lady have courage? Does the lady have consistency?

'As a councillor, mayor and crucially as a person, Anne Johnson has such qualities in abundance.'

Cllr David Whitcomb paid tribute to Cllr Sanders and said during his year as mayor, he had attended more than 100 events on behalf of the town which he loved. He said he had been 'a very good mayor' who had a knack of being in the right place, at the right time, and saying the right thing.

The new deputy mayor of Tavistock is Cllr Harry Smith. Proposer Cllr Johnson said Cllr Smith — a 'wonderful' family man, gardener and Abba fan — was an extremely hard-working councillor who paid great attention to detail.

Cllr Mandy Ewings said Cllr Smith had done much to modernise the way in which the council worked and 'being a typical Scotsman', was always keen to seek ways in which to save the council money.

She said he was a conscientious councillor who always retained his humour and dignity.

Cllr Smith said he was mindful of the changes and challenges which would be faced by parish councils in the coming years and looked forward to supporting Cllr Johnson in her term as mayor.

'Next year will be a busy one — but one certainly full of interest,' he said.