'I HAVE done my best to promote Okehampton, and will continue to do so' — the words of the town mayor following his re-election to the post last Wednesday.

Cllr the Rev Mike Davies received the chain of office for a second consecutive year in a civic ceremony at the town hall.

In his speech, he acknowledged the pleasures and challenges of his first year in office, and his hopes that the town can retain its charm and history during a period of great change for Okehampton.

He said: 'When I was first accepted as mayor last year, I aimed to facilitate the promotion of Okehampton at functions and events I have attended as the town mayor. I hope I have done that this year. I have done my best to promote Okehampton, and will continue to do so.

'The council represents our community. Okehampton and the Okehampton Hamlets continue to change, as we see more and more houses being built on the edge of town.

'We have our heritage to hold on to and we must make sure we do so. I hope to promote the history and heritage of our great town.

'I intend to continue to fly the flag for Okehampton, and I want to fly the flag for organisations and charities in Okehampton.

'I urge any organisation or individual holding an event in the town that may benefit with an appearance from the mayor, or my help in some way, to get in touch at the town hall office.'

Cllr Davies expressed his thanks to his fellow councillors, his deputy mayor, Cllr Paul Vachon, who also stays in his post for a second year, and to his wife, Justine.

At the beginning of their year in office, the mayor chooses two charities to support throughout their tenure. In 2012, Cllr the Rev Davies chose to support Children's Hospice South West and Okehampton and District Duke of Edinburgh Award.

He presented representatives from each charity with cheques for £585 to support their organisations.

For 2013, Cllr the Rev Davies has selected the Get Changed Theatre Company and Tor Support Services as his two mayoral charities.

The mayor also handed out four Okehampton Mayor Awards to four community figures for their outstanding contribution to the community.

Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson from Wren Music were recognised for setting up Wren Music in the 30th anniversary year of the charity.

Karen Percival, clerk of Okehampton United Charity and Okehampton Educational Foundation, has been recognised for her commitment to go above and beyond her duties as clerk to help organisations in the town.

This year's awards saw the youngest ever recipients, as children from Kes Tor class at Okehampton Primary collected an award for their integral role in helping to launch 'Keep Okehampton Tidy', a litter-picking day clearing the streets and rivers in Okehampton.