AS he prepares to end his year in office and hand over the reigns of power, Eric Payne has reflected on a rewarding 12 months as Alcester Mayor.

Mr Payne said there were countless high points during the year, including the opening of Alcester's skatepark, proposing a toast to Lillian Cunningham on her 100th birthday, taking part in the Spencer Dayman Trust walk for meningitis and attending the Side by Side concert in Leamington.

And Mr Payne claims the weather failed to ruin the 'lovely atmosphere' of the British Legion County Parade which, he said, the town was honoured to host.

He also welcomes the way civic heads from surrounding areas are now working closely together.

But it was not any one event which Mr Payne believed was the highlight of his year or the thing he and his wife, Alcester in Bloom chairman Maggie, will miss most.

Mr Payne said: "We really enjoyed meeting people, that is the thing which has been most special for us. We'll really miss it.

"My objectives when I embarked on my year was to meet people and make living in Alcester so special for everyone, I hope the town council and myself have achieved this."

Mr Payne's time in office is also memorable for the eight-day public inquiry held into the 400-homes development.

He said: "This involved a great deal of hard work but I would not class this as a low point because it is what the people of Alcester wanted us to do."

Commenting on his reception from townsfolk, Mr Payne said: "We're so grateful for the support and kindness Alcester people have shown us.

"I'm stopped in the street by people discussing the council. It's wonderful to know they care about what the mayor and town council are doing.

"I hope the new mayor enjoys herself just as much as I have."

The new mayor was due to be appointed at the town council meeting last night.