WEST Devon on Tuesday elected its youngest ever mayor of the borough.
Cllr Richard Phillips, 39, who represents the Walkham ward, has chosen youth as his mayoral theme for the year. It is even more fitting as his partner, Donna, his mayoress, is expecting the couple's first baby later this year.
After his appointment at the council's annual meeting in Okehampton, Cllr Phillips, an organic farmer who lives at Grenofen, said he was looking forward to his year with great enthusiasm.
Youth, he said, gave him great hope for the future. He recently attended a West Devon Community Safety Conference at Okehampton College and was impressed with the youngsters who attended.
'These people are our future and we must connect with them by going out to where they go, doing the things that they do.'
Cllr Phillips appealed for help in choosing his charity this year. 'I would like to find a worthy cause that is based around the youth in West Devon and if anybody would like to forward any suggestions it would be appreciated.'
Outgoing mayor Cllr Robin Pike was praised for his professionalism, integrity and enthusiasm throughout the last year.
Exbourne Cllr Mrs Denise Herrod-Taylor was chosen as deputy mayor.
She told councillors: 'It's good to be representing the northern side of the borough.'