Ledbury has a new deputy mayor in the shape of Coun Phil Bettington.

Coun Bettington was elected at the full council meeting last Thursday (February 8) by nine votes to seven, over Coun Martin Eager.

The period 2000/2001 may go down as unique in the history of Ledbury Town Council, at least in recent times, because it was year when Ledbury had two deputy mayors.

Coun Bettington, of Albert Road, had expressed interest in the position in May, but fellow councillors recognised then that he had no experience of chairing committees.

Coun Geoff Knock agreed to be deputy mayor for the first half of the term.

This gave Coun Bettington the essential experience of chairing the environment and leisure committee for over half a year, before Coun Knock officially stood down at the last full council meeting.

Coun Bettington will be deputy mayor until May, when he hopes to become mayor, following on from the present mayor, Coun Clive Jupp.

Coun Bettington said: "I'm just pleased to have been given this honour. I want to be mayor, most definitely. I feel I can do some good for the town."

Coun Jupp said: "I think he's done well as the chairman of the environment and leisure committee. He'll do well as mayor.

"Everyone who joins the council should be given the chance for this honour. It's a wonderful experience."