TOWN councillor and current deputy mayor Maureen McDonald was chosen to be the new mayor of Okehampton by the town council at their annual meeting on May 9.

Councillor Tony Leech said that Cllr McDonald would be a strong choice for mayor

He said: 'She has chaired the policy and resources committee well, and has been a good deputy mayor for the past year.'

Cllr McDonald won a majority of votes from her fellow councillors over Cllr Mike Davies, who was voted in as deputy mayor.

At the meeting, Cllr Kevin Ball described Cllr Davies as 'an active member of the community through both the church and the council.'

The chair and vice-chairs of the policy and resources, parks, planning and property committees were also all chosen at the meeting.

Cllr David Weekes was voted chair of the parks committee with Cllr Kevin Ball as the vice-chair. Cllr Tony Leech will chair the property committee, with Cllr Paul Vachon as vice-chair.

Cllr Vachon was also voted chair of the planning committee, with Cllr Kay Bickley as vice-chair.

The policy and resources committee will be chaired by Cllr Davies, with Cllr Bickley vice-chairing.

The civic ceremony of mayor choosing will take place on Wednesday, May 18, where Cllr McDonald will receive the chain of office from outgoing mayor, Cllr Michael Morse.