THE new mayor of Calne Robert Merrick live-streamed his vision for the coming year at the annual mayor-making ceremony on Monday.

A shopping week in November, the completion of the street pastor scheme, a Christmas day lunch for those who are on their own, and the establishment of a disco night for young people were among the objectives he outlined ion a speech heard as far away as Australia.

“Tonight for the first time, mayor making is being streamed live across the world," he told his audience.

“I would like to welcome the People of Calne, and our twinned towns; Charlieu, Eningen, Caln Township in Pennsylvania.

"And Moraira and Javea in Spain; Washington DC and Brisbane Australia.”

The evening held in a packed town hall began with a rendition of Over the Rainbow sung by Tess Ryan of the Sampaguita Cafe.

A minute’s silence was observed in memory of Ellie Gould with Rev Wendy Tucker leading prayers for the family and those affected by her death.

Outgoing mayor Glenis Ansell detailed her year in office which saw her launch an initiative on plastic, as well as promoting Calne Fest, Eco Day, the shopping week and Calne Spring Sing.

There was also a video filmed and edited by students at the John Bentley School featuring Calne in all its activities screened during the changing of the robes.

The new mayor introduced his new chaplain for the year Rev Bob Kenway and gave mayoral pendants and gifts to Cllrs Tom Rounds, Tony Trotman and Glenis Ansell.

Cllr Merrick added: “I would not want to be the Mayor of anywhere else but Calne.”