THE NEWLY elected mayor of Thornbury has discussed her intentions to showcase the best of the town after being unveiled on Tuesday.

Cllr Helen Harrison, 49, was unanimously elected during the Town Council’s annual general meeting, with dozens of members of the public in attendance to support her nomination.

After donning the traditional mayoral attire and chain for the ceremony, Mayor Harrison said: “For me, being mayor is not about these robes, it is about helping to showcase the good that goes on in Thornbury.

“I look forward to promoting the positive side of the town, alongside the many local groups, individuals, charities and businesses.”

Having served as assistant mayor for the past two years, offered praise to outgoing mayor Cllr Guy Rawlinson.

She said: “Guy has done a wonderful job over the past two years, I only hope I can follow in his footsteps.”

Among her plans for the year, Mayor Harrison has stated her intention to relaunch the Mayor’s Youth Awards, to highlight the good work done by young people in the community.

She has also chosen Thornbury-based children’s charity Jigsaw as her chosen “Mayor’s Charity” for the year, saying: “their work to help young children who suffer with difficulties, and their families, is exemplary. I look forward to raising the profile of the good work they do.”

Cllr Clive Parkinson, who officially nominated Cllr Harrison for the role, said: “Helen is well known in the town, an active member of the Baptist Church, and involved in a number of charities and projects involving the town’s young people.

“It is an absolute pleasure and honour to nominate Helen for our next mayor.”

Also appointed during the meeting was the town’s new deputy mayor, Cllr Alan Carman, as well as the members of the council’s standing committees.

In his closing statements as mayor and council chairman, Cllr Rawlinson said: “Two years seems like a long time, but it has gone very, very quickly.

“My time as mayor has been fantastic, it has been a real pleasure to serve the town.

“It is stunning to see what Thornbury enjoys thanks to its amazing volunteer base, all of whom deserve a pat on the back.

Referring to the new mayor, he added: “Helen will do very well in the role, she has the experience that will stand her in very good stead.

“I know Helen will make the most of her time as mayor. I have said to her that if she can attend an event, she should go. Being given an invite to any event in the town is a privilege and by attending, you can do a lot for the many active groups in the community.”