THE new mayor for Bewdley has said she is "honoured and privileged" to represent her town.

Councillor Anna Coleman was elected to the role at the Annual Town Council meeting, held on Friday, May 12.

She takes over from Councillor John Beeson - who she said would be a "hard act to follow".

Cllr Coleman said that she was "honoured and privileged" to be able to represent Bewdley as mayor and thanked her fellow town councillors for electing her.

During her mayoral year, Cllr Coleman will raise funds for the Friends of Riverside North Park to develop a new splash pad for the children and also improve access for mobility impaired people to the swan pond and wildlife trail.

Her second charity is the local foodbank operated by Bewdley Churches Together.

Councillor Linda Candlin was elected as deputy mayor for Bewdley.

Bewdley's first young mayor, Louisa Coleman, was also sworn in and received her badge of office. Bewdley Town Council are working with the Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre in developing the young mayor scheme. Melbryn Kruft-Welton was elected as deputy young mayor.

During the meeting, four members of the public were also recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community - Penny Griffiths from the Friends of Bewdley Museum, and Anthony Trick and Keith Young from Wribbenhall Parish Room received the outgoing mayor's "Thank You" award. Keith Pinwell, who leads the Remembrance Sunday Parade and ceremony on behalf of the town council, received the council's Civic Award.

The annual meeting was attended by mayors and councillor chairmen from across Worcestershire and Shropshire, as well as the local police inspector, officers from Wyre Forest District Council and representatives from local community groups.