THE new mayor of Bromyard is launching a community youth fund to mark his first year in office.

Councillor Nigel Davies took over the mayoral chains from Jamie Jacobsen at a town council meeting on Monday (May 16).

The lifelong Bromyard resident said he was fully committed to the town and was “very privileged” to get the position.

Coun Davies broke tradition by choosing to launch his own good cause rather than supporting a charity during his mayoral year.

He also had a word for his predecessor, calling coun Jacobsen an extremely hard-working man and a difficult act to follow.

Coun Jacobsen said he gained a deeper understanding of Bromyard during his “very quick” two years in office.

The outgoing mayor said coun Davies, also his brother-in-law, was hard-working town councillor who was committed to Bromyard.

He also thanked his family, fellow councillors, town clerk and deputy town clerk for their support over his tenure.

Councillor Jan Pearce-Higgins was also elected as vice-chairman at the meeting.