VOTING for Okehampton's civic leaders for the coming year will see a change in tradition, following a meeting in the town last week.

Nominations for the post of mayor and deputy mayor were received during a special meeting of Okehampton Town Council.

There were five nominations for the position of mayor — Cllr Michael Ireland, Cllr Maureen McDonald, Cllr Paul Vachon, Cllr Charles Letchford and Cllr Michael Morse.

The only member to accept a nomination was Cllr Morse.

The nominees for deputy mayor were councillors Chris Raymond, Paul Vachon, Michael Ireland, Maureen McDonald and Tony Leech.

The two members who accepted the nomination were Cllr Vachon and Cllr McDonald.

The mayor and deputy mayor have traditionally been elected at the town assembly.

But at last week's meeting, Cllr Charles Letchford said he was uncomfortable that there was just one nomination for mayor.

He said it could be 'embarrassing' if no-one wished to vote for the nominated councillor.

The council was told that although it was usual to have a civic leader, it did not have to elect one.

After some discussion, the council agreed to break with tradition and hold the election on May 10. The annual town assembly is due to be held on April 12.