AN EMOTIONAL mayor wished her successor a fulfilling term as she handed over her chain of office at Thornbury Town Hall's annual general meeting.

Wearing her full mayoral robes, Phyllida Parsloe thanked fellow Thornbury leaders last Tuesday as well as her consorts for their support over the past year.

Looking back on her eventful second term in office, she said: "I want to thank the staff and councillors for their support. We are so fortunate to live in Thornbury. I really enjoyed it."

She added: "I have had the pleasure of having four consorts from Marlwood School. They gave up their time and weekends and I enjoyed their company enormously. They were either extremely good actors or they really enjoyed themselves and I think they’ve learnt a lot about Thornbury."

Cllr Emma Bone praised the indefatigable "world’s volunteer".

"She has been tireless in her support of local organisations," she told the assembly. "She was chair of the arts festival and chair of the Chantry. She is always busy but happy to help anytime. She is one of the world’s volunteers."

Cllr Parsloe was presented with a volunteering award by the local authority last month for her involvement with a multitude of groups and charities across town.

Before officially passing on the baton, Cllr Parsloe wished her successor Pam Shipp all the best.

"I hope you will enjoy this job as much as I have," she said.

Cllr Guy Rawlinson was officially elected deputy mayor at the AGM.

He will be taking over Cllr Shipp, who had held the post since May last year.