WEST Devon?s new mayor this week pledged to ?faithfully fulfill? her duties for the coming year ? and expressed a hope that 2004 would be a happier year than last time she served in office.

Liberal Democrat Christine Grills, who has served as ward member for Bere Ferrers for the last nine years, was mayor during the foot and mouth crisis which devastated West Devon in 2001.

Cllr Grills said it was a ?great privilege? to represent West Devon as mayor and she was ?delighted to have another bite at the cherry?.

The mayor?s chosen charity for the year is the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

She said: ?Just under four years ago a friend was diagnosed with the disease and it has been heartbreaking to see how rapidly the disease has progressed in that short time, and the effect it has had on the quality of life for her and her family.?

Cllr Alison-Clish-Green, leader of the council?s Liberal Democrat group, proposed Cllr Grills.

She said: ?I know she will fulfil her duties with sincerity, dignity and enthusiasm, ably supported by her husband, Norman.?

Cllr Grills takes over from Independent member Cllr Peter Hill, of Chagford.

Cllr Hill said he had had a ?wonderful? year as mayor and had been given the opportunity to meet many people, from all walks of life. It had also been a pleasure to talk to many youngsters in the borough, he said.

?We hear a lot about things going wrong but the great majority are wonderful youngsters ? only last Saturday it was great to see their endeavour and sense of achievement ? that spirit gives you confidence when you look to the future.?

He thanked everyone who had contributed to his chosen charities for the year, St Luke?s Hospice and Hospiscare, and the hard work of the council officers.

Cllr Hill also paid tribute to the support he had received during his mayoral year from his wife, Gay ? ?my partner, my wife, my friend?.

Cllr Dick Eberlie thanked Cllr Hill for leading the council with ?style and charm? during the last 12 months.

He said: ?We all have our own follies and foibles ? you have held us together with patience, tolerance, calmness and firmness, which has often been needed.

?You have done it all with that famous twinkle in the eye and I believe sincerely that you have enhanced the standing of the borough this year ? you have done us proud.?

The new deputy mayor of West Devon will be Cllr Jayne Hill, who represents Okehampton West.

In proposing Cllr Hill, Cllr Margaret Garton, leader of the Independent Group, told the mayor: ?I think you will find her an excellent support during your year of office.?

Cllr Ted Sherrell, seconding the proposal, said it was apt that as one Hill left office, another Hill entered. He said the new deputy mayor had proved herself to be a ?hard-working and committed? councillor who was ?a lady of integrity and good sense?.

Cllr Hill she would serve the borough to the best of her ability.

As a working councillor, she hoped to ?juggle brilliantly? her public and professional roles and provide a source of good support to the mayor over the next 12 months.