BEWDLEY’S new Mayor has said she hopes to tackle the many challenges the town faces.

Calne Edginton-White took over the role from Derek Killingworth following the Annual Town Council meeting held on Friday, May 15.

She said: “When I returned to the town council in May 2014 elections, I felt honoured to serve the town, but could not have imagined that I would have the opportunity a year later to represent our town as Mayor.

“During my Mayoral year, while continuing to support the development of Bewdley for our community and to tackle the many challenges the town faces.

“I want to ensure that the many community charity groups and organisations which are the life blood of our community are supported in their activities and work. Promoting the economic wellbeing of Bewdley will enable the town and our community to thrive and ensure that young people and families can develop their potential in the area.

“My main charity appeals for the year will be the Midlands Air Ambulance and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. I would also like to encourage Bewdley groups to be involved in my charity events to assist in their fundraising.”

She has set up a Facebook page, ‘Bewdley Mayor 2015’, for residents to follow her activities throughout the year.

Her son, Benjamin, will be her consort for the year. He is no stranger to the role of consort, having performed the role in 2006/07 for his grandmother, Louise Edginton, the Bewdley Freeman, when she served as Mayor.

The Independent Community and Health concern councillor moved to Bewdley when she was eight years-old and was educated in Bewdley and Wyre Forest, as well as serving as a teacher in the area for 39 years until she retired.

She served the people of Wribbenhall on Wyre Forest District Council from 1978, for 13 years before she stood down to concentrate on her family and career.

During the meeting, Councillor Phillip Edmundson was also elected as Deputy Mayor.