A NEW mayor has taken over in Royal Wootton Bassett for the next year.

Councillor Steve Walls took over as mayor from councillor Nic Hughes, as he was elected in the most recent annual meeting on May 20.

It was held in St Bartholomew & All Saints Church and was the first in person meeting in over a year, since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

He is looking to support various local charities over the next year as mayor.

The newly elected mayor said: “I am looking to help those that support people in the town. It has become apparent over the period of the lockdown's that people require help over many different matters. I would wish to have discussions with groups to see how I could help.”

At the same meeting, councillor Steve Watts was elected as deputy mayor for 2021-2022.