THE new mayor of Yate has been appointed at a special meeting in the town.

Cllr Tony Davis, who has been a member of Yate Town Council for 16 years, wore the mayor’s robes for the first time at the meeting on Tuesday, May 20, where a room full of residents and councillors welcomed him in his new role.

Cllr Davis takes over from cllr Wully Perks, who served from 2012 and has served as a councillor since May 2003, and remains on the council.

At the meeting, the new mayor thanked cllr Perks for his support and friendship over the past two years and expressed gratitude for the council’s work and commitment to the town.

Cllr Davis said: “Wully has been an incredible support to me, and my wife Ruth, for many years and I can truly say he is a true fan of Yate, just like myself.

“He has taken part and enjoyed so many events in the town and I look forward to doing the same as mayor.”

Cllr Perks said: "It is with sadness I have to say my time has ended. It has been a joy to meet and work with all the people I have met over the past two years, and thank them all, and my wife Mary also for her support."

The meeting also introduced the six new members of the council, including cllr Chris Edmonds, cllr Cheryl Kirby, cllr Ben Campbell, cllr John Gawn, cllr Penny Thoyts and cllr Karl Tomasin.

Cllr John Ford was also appointed as the new vice chairman and deputy mayor at the meeting.