A STRAIGHT-talking councillor who has served his local community for more than 45 years has been elected as the new mayor of West Devon for the forthcoming year.

Cllr William Cann, who has been a borough councillor for South Tawton since May 2007, told the council's annual meeting last week that he would do the job of mayor 'in his own way' and promote community involvement and civic pride in West Devon.

He said: 'We are a Royal borough and we should be very proud of where we live.  I cannot promise any airs and graces while I am mayor but I hope to do as much as I can to promote the whole of West Devon and support its communities.'

Cllr Cann is no stranger to public office. He was a member of Dartmoor National Park Authority for 24 years. He has served on South Tawton Parish Council for 47 years. He is also an honorary alderman of Devon and was awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours in 2004.

Cllr Cann added: 'After 45 years in local government this is the first time I have had a chain of office. It really is the icing on the cake for me.'

Born and bred in South Zeal, Cllr Cann will be supported in his new role by his wife, Christine, who will be mayoress. The couple have two daughters, Sonia and Clare and two grandchildren Annie and George.   

Now retired, Cllr Cann worked for more than 30 years as a self-employed painter and decorator before becoming a security guard at Wyvern Barracks in Exeter.  He also volunteered as a special constable for 19 years.

Tributes were paid to the outgoing mayor and mayoress.

Cllr John Hockridge told councillors: 'I would like to thank Cllr Robin Musgrave and his wife Jane for carrying out their duties so admirably. It has been a busy mayoral year and they have both been great ambassadors for this authority.'

Cllr Philip Sanders was re-elected as the leader of the council with Cllr Bob Baldwin re-elected as deputy leader.

The council also appointed chairmen to its committees.

The audit committee will be chaired by Cllr Debo Sellis and the community services committee chairman will be Cllr Robert Oxborough.

The chairman of the planning and licensing committee is Cllr Christine Marsh.

The overview and scrutiny committee chairman will be Cllr Mandy Ewings and the standards committee will be chaired by Cllr James McInnes.

Cllr Sanders will remain as chairman of the resources committee.

Cllr Christine Marsh was elected as deputy mayor.