'WE should look to the future with the glass half full, and not half empty' — words of optimism from the new Mayor of Okehampton at the mayor choosing last Wednesday.

Cllr Maureen McDonald received the chain of office from outgoing mayor Cllr Michael Morse last week.

Cllr McDonald acknowledged the economic trials and tribulations of the past 12 months, but celebrated the spirit of the local community in the face of such hardships.

She said: I spent my entire career as a teacher with Tavistock College. I first encountered Okehampton in that time. It was then I fell in love with this town.

'Okehampton is in a great location, with stunning scenery and lots and lots of potential. I hope now I am a fully fledged Okehamptonian, even if only an adopted one.

'At the town assembly we had the theme of past, present and future. I wish to carry that on here. I won't delve too much into the past, as we all know that Okehampton has had a tougher time than many in the recent past. The effects of economic problems have hit us hard.

'But as a town we have shown we can get through this, and the town deserves congratulations for rallying together as a community and with projects like the Foodbank, as well as your continued endurance.

'We can all work together to soften the blows of the last year.'

Cllr McDonald expressed thanks for the hard work of her predecessor Cllr Morse, all the Okehampton Town Council members, the town clerk and all members of staff.

The ceremony also saw the election of the deputy mayor, Cllr Mike Davies.

Cllr McDonald said: 'Cllr Davies is involved with a wide range of community groups, and is a hard working councillor.

'Through his many associations, Mike has been in contact with those from all walks of life in Okehampton, and is very well placed to serve the people of Okehampton. He will prove to be an excellent choice.'

Cllr Davies said: 'From time to time I have questioned whether a minister should be involved in politics at all, even at the town level.

'But I look to Martin Luther King, who was a minister who had a dream that his four children be judged not by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.

'The diverse assembly of councillors give our council a distinctiveness that will serve the town well. What I especially like about our council is their content of character, which will also serve us well.

'The town continues to evolve, as should we as a council. But we must also remember our history too.'

Children from Okehampton Primary School were present at the meeting, and had a taste of local politics for the first time.

Awards were also given out to Okehampton residents Mrs Joyce Cuff, Mr and Mrs Bernard Rendall, Mr and Mrs Fred Barlow and Mike Murray.

The awards were in recognition of time and effort in maintaining the well being and preservation of the town and community, to the benefit of the people of Okehampton.

The mayor's chosen charities for this year are the North Dartmoor Rescue Group and St John Ambulance in Okehampton.