A NEW civic leader has been appointed to serve Ringwood.

Cllr Tim Ward, who was the deputy mayor, was unanimously elected as the town’s mayor at a meeting of Ringwood Town Council last week.

He will serve as mayor until May.

This comes after Cllr Michael Thierry stood down early.

Mr Ward said: “I am quite happy to stand in for that period."

He added: “I will obviously try to perform the duties to the best of my ability, which is all I can offer to do.

“I am keeping the seat warm for the next mayor.”

Mr Ward thanked Cllr Thierry for his time spent visiting and supporting local causes as mayor.

Cllr Philip Day was appointed deputy mayor.

Cllr Ward and Cllr Day have been serving on the town council since the election in May 2015.

An interim clerk has also been appointed at Ringwood Town Council.

Following the departure of Stephen Nash, who had been town clerk for the past three years, the council advertised to fill the vacancy.

After considering the applications and interviewing selected candidates, councillors decided the post should be re-advertised in the spring.

Terry Simpson, who was the council’s town clerk for 11 years prior to Stephen Nash’s appointment, will cover the vacancy until a permanent appointment can be made.