OKEHAMPTON'S new mayor has promised to work on behalf of the town to 'turn around the growing number of empty shops' .

Cllr Michael Morse, who is also a member of the Okehampton Senior Council for Devon Group, received the chain of office from outgoing mayor, Cllr David Weekes, last Wednesday.

Cllr Morse told the ceremony he would continue to work for the people of Okehampton and be a voice for the over 50s.

He said: 'I am aware of many of the problems currently experienced in Okehampton, especially the business community, the proposed disruption to the roads, the general economic climate and a painfully slow recovery.

'This council has made representations on previous occasions when the town was disrupted and will continue to do so, because we need to work to the benefit of the town.

'The council's position on the proposal to build hundreds of houses in Okehampton, and our continued objection to this, is to request and demand proper and suitable infrastructure.'

Cllr Morse expressed thanks to his predecessor, Cllr David Weekes, for all his hard work and to all Okehampton Town Council members, the town clerk and members of staff.

The ceremony also saw the election of the deputy mayor, Cllr Maureen McDonald.

Cllr Morse added: 'I am aware of Cllr McDonald's experience in local government and in the education system, and I know she is a great asset to the council's operations.

'I also recognise her qualities on procedure, diplomacy and fairness, and I know she will support my role over the coming year.'

Cllr McDonald said: 'It is an honour and a privilege to accept this office.

'I assure you that I will continue to work hard for the good of the town.'

Outgoing mayor Cllr David Weekes said it had been an honour to represent the town.

He said: 'Some of the best highlights this year was The Tour of Britain, which really put Okehampton on the map.

'We also had the German visit from teachers and pupils, who really enjoyed it when we showed them around the whole town.

'Edwardian Evening and Okehampton Carnival were also both fantastic events and very enjoyable.'

Cllr Weekes said he hoped the town would purchase CCTV in the near future.

He said: 'We are still working to get CCTV up and running and it would help the town, especially at night, to have an extra pair of eyes.

'We have a wonderful, traditional town, which has a lot to offer both its residents and guests.

'I'd also like to pay special thanks to my son and youngest consort in Devon, Jack.

'It's been great to have him by my side and I'm sure he's enjoyed every moment of it, as I have.'

Awards were also given to Okehampton residents, Mrs Gill Lower, Mr and Mrs Mike Wreford, Mr Charles Westlake, Mr Colin Beer and Mr Trevor Drew.

The awards were given in recognition of time and effort in maintaining the well being and preservation of the town, to the benefit of the people of Okehampton.

The mayor's chosen charities for this year will be The Museum of Dartmoor Life and The Puzzle Tree in Okehampton.