A LEADER in shaping Tavistock's future — that's the vision for the role of the town council, according to its new mayor.

Cllr Philip Sanders was elected mayor at the council's annual meeting last week.

He said it would be a privilege to take on the role, and he wished to build on the good work done by his predecessor, Cllr David Whitcomb.

Cllr Sanders said: 'I am determined to put this council in the driving seat as far as this town is concerned.

'With the greatest of respect, all the organisations within the town are full of well meaning people, but from my point of view, the town council has been elected by the town and we should be driving the agenda.

'The only reason we are here is because we believe in the town and we want it to be successful.'

Cllr Sanders said the town council had tremendous assets, and an enormous and unique heritage to preserve.

'I look forward to a very interesting and, I hope, exciting year,' he said.

Outgoing mayor Cllr Whitcomb said the town's new mayor had 'a cheeky smile and a glint in his eye' and he knew that Cllr Sanders would carry out his new duties to the best of his ability.

The new deputy mayor for the coming year will be Cllr Anne Johnson, who has held the role previously. Cllr Sanders said Cllr Johnson had worked consistently hard for Tavistock and its community for many years.

'For me to have Anne as my deputy is fantastic — she's been here before, she knows the ropes and she knows how to keep me under control,' he said.

Cllr Johnson said it was a 'huge honour and great privilege' to be elected as Tavistock's deputy mayor.

'I've been on the council since 2003 — it's been a very steep learning curve but I will try to serve the community of Tavistock and the council to the very best of my ability,' she said.

Cllr Mandy Govier paid tribute to the outgoing mayor. She said Cllr Whitcomb always had the best interests of Tavistock at heart and had carried out his many duties throughout the year with dignity and aplomb.

Cllr Govier also thanked the mayor's consort, Cllr Sue Bailey, whose support had been 'exemplary' over the last 12 months.

'The town council really owes you a huge thank you — you have been an absolutely magnificent hostess in many of the events that David has held,' said Cllr Govier.