A NEW mayor of Romsey was officially appointed on Tuesday night as cllr Ian Hibberd stepped down from his role.

Cllr Dorothy Baverstock signed the declaration of office at the Mayor Making ceremony at Romsey Town Hall, beginning her 12 months in office.

The motion to appoint cllr Baverstock was first proposed by councillor Peter Hurst and seconded by councillor Nickie Bailey.

In attendance at the ceremony was new Mayor of Test Valley, cllr Ian Carr, and a representative for the chief executive of Test Valley Borough Council, along with other councillors and invited guests from the many organisations in the town.

Cllr Baverstock said: "I am honoured to be mayor of Romsey for the upcoming year, and I am looking forward to my mayoral year."

Stepping down, cllr Hibberd added: "I have had a wonderful year as mayor, and enjoyed the many events my wife and I have been invited to."

Cllr Janet Burnage was appointed as the town's deputy mayor.