CIVIC leaders from across Worcestershire have attended a ceremony in Droitwich to witness the making of a new mayor for the town.

Richard Morris accepted the chain of office at an annual meeting of the town council on Monday evening after his name was the only one put forward for the role.

His election came as a surprise because last year's deputy mayor John Cook was widely expected to become the new mayor. However, he was unable to stand due to ill health.

Councillor Morris, of Bagehott Road, is already well prepared to carry out his new civic duties as he was previously mayor between 2005 and 2006.

His mother Dorothy Morris has again agreed to be his consort. Accepting the role, Coun Morris said: "There are great times ahead for Droitwich. We are on the up. There's the opening of the lido and events including Sports for All on Bank Holiday Monday and the Salt Day.

"We have a new health centre almost under way and a town centre development bringing a better shopping proposition.

"We also have some great progress on the canals.

"This is what makes this town a marvellous place."

Coun Morris chose Droitwich Squadron Air Training Corp, Droitwich Army Cadets and Worcestershire Young Carers as the mayor's charities. He also extended his thanks to previous mayor Jan Bolton. He said: "She's been fabulous along with her consort Brian Kitts, who has sadly passed away."

The deputy mayor's role was taken by Coun Glenise Noyes, who will be assisted by her husband Tom acting as her consort.

Mrs Bolton welcomed Coun Morris to the job and said: "I think he'll be a great mayor. He started some things off last year that he can now carry on."

She said she had enjoyed her year in office, particularly four charity tea dances which had raised £1,300 and the Mayor's Ball at the Chateau Impney Hotel.

Dignitaries who attended the meeting included Pershore's deputy mayor Ken Rowe and his wife Coun Margaret Rowe, chairman of Wychavon District Council Jean Dowty, Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council Janice Boswell and her husband Ian and Worcestershire county councillor John Smith and his wife Frances.