THE first woman to be appointed leader of Wiltshire County Council said she is looking forward to the "wonderful opportunity".

Jane Scott, who lives with her husband and children in Lanhill, Chippenham, takes over the coveted role from Peter Chalke, after he was elected deputy chairman of the national Local Government Association (LCA).

Mrs Scott, a district councillor in north Wiltshire and a member of the National Youth Agency, was first elected to the Kington ward of the county council in 1997.

Her former roles include deputy leader and cabinet member for children, education and libraries for the past two years.

In addition the 53-year-old has a host of farming qualifications and recently managed a small farm of rare breed animals.

On her election she said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to local people and to Wiltshire.

"I believe that local people deserve access to the best education, the best care services, the best roads and the best transport system we are able to provide and I am looking forward to working with other officers and other members to deliver these."

In his resignation speech Mr Chalke talked about his eight years in the top job and listed his high points.

He said: "When I came on to the council I believed that the principles of running an authority were no different to running a small business.

"Only buy what you can afford, always keep the customer happy, give them a product at a price they can afford and treat your staff with respect."