A NEW mayor has been elected to serve Fordingbridge for the coming year.

Councillor Edward Hale, who was the deputy mayor, now takes the reins as chairman of Fordingbridge Town Council.

He takes over the role from Councillor Paul Anstey who has been mayor for two years.

Councillor Hale was voted into the position by fellow councillors during the council's annual meeting on Wednesday, May 13, which was held virtually on Zoom.

It was a close contest between Councillor Hale and Councillor Pete White - with only one vote separating the two.

Councillor Hale said: "I would like to thank everyone for the great honour and for electing me as mayor. It is going to be a difficult year for the town but I'm really proud of the way that the town is dealing with the current situation. We've just got to continue working together with the organisations that we have got and hope the town council can help wherever possible."

Councillor Anna Wilson was elected deputy mayor.

Outgoing mayor, Cllr Anstey said: "It is an honour and privilege to be mayor of Fordingbridge Town Council. With that comes responsibility and commitment. I believe everyone who wishes to put themselves forward within the council should have the opportunity to fulfil that role, which is one of the reasons why I felt it is healthy for myself after two years to step aside and keep the flow going."

Cllr Hale thanked Cllr Anstey, who took over from long-serving mayor Malcolm Connolly in May 2018, for his work as mayor and chairman of the town council over the last two years.