LEDBURY’S new mayor has urged councillors to enjoy themselves after taking the reigns from a “very hard act to follow”.

Councillor Allen Conway collected the mayoral chains from Paul Winter last Thursday (May 12) at the annual town meeting.

He saw off the challenge of deputy mayor, Tony Bradford, by 11 votes to 6 to become mayor in his third year as councillor.

“I’m really looking forward to the next year - it’s a hard act to follow but I look forward to it,” said coun Conway.

“I want to see this council enjoying themselves. I was told years ago there is laughter in a council chamber and it so should be.”

The mayor also praised coun Winter and his wife, Tina, in his acceptance speech for a tremendous job.

The couple outlined their popularity beforehand by donating £19,000 to the Noahs Ark Trust raised during their year in office.

Coun Winter said the record-breaking figure could rise to more than £20,000 as they were still awaiting several donations.

The couple have vowed to continue supporting the charity, while Mrs Winter has even signed up to become a counsellor for the Worcester good cause.