The appointment of Coun Jayne Roberts as the new Mayor of Ledbury last week sets a number of firsts for the council and the town.

Not only is Coun Roberts the first female Mayor of Ledbury for 24 years, she represents one half of the only husband and wife team in the town's history to be both elected as mayor.

Coun Noel Roberts, the present mayor's consort, was himself elected mayor two years ago.

Until now, Ledbury has never had a female mayor and a female deputy mayor at the same time.

The new deputy is Coun Mary Cooper, who has only been on Ledbury Town Council for one year but came to office with a background in local government.

A solicitor by profession, Coun Cooper was head of legal services at Hertmere District Council before moving to Ledbury four years ago.

No town councillor before in Ledbury has ever reached the position of deputy mayor so quickly.

Coun Roberts is keen to continue the good citizen initiative started by her predecessor, Keith Francis, by visiting local primary schools and talking about social issues.

Both Coun Roberts and Coun Cooper want to see Ledbury gain Quality Council Status and they aim to help put together a Parish Plan for Ledbury this year towards this.