SUPERFAST broadband, community safety and animal rehoming will be in the spotlight over the next year as Cllr John Sheldon takes up his new post as the Mayor of West Devon.

Cllr Sheldon, who represents Tavistock North, has been described as the ‘most connected member in our community’ and a keen supporter of the superfast broadband rollout. He is hoping his role will help promote the campaign to make rural West Devon better connected.

Cllr Sheldon said: ‘West Devon Borough Council is unique in Devon. It is the only council of its tier with a mayor which serves as an important civic and traditional post. I am looking forward to the challenge of being the chair of the council.’

Prior to serving as a borough councillor, Cllr Sheldon worked for the police force and has been a member of West Devon Borough Council for over five years. He has also been a long-standing member of Tavistock Town Council.

During his year of office, the mayor will also be championing the work of Wingletang Rescue and Rehoming Centre for Dogs and Cats this year, choosing the Margaret Green Animal Rescue as his charity. The rescue charity runs Wingletang kennels who work with the council to home stray and lost dogs across West Devon.

His wife, Maggie Sheldon, will be mayoress and Cllr Jeff Moody becomes deputy mayor.

Praise and thanks were paid to the outgoing mayor, Cllr David Cloke, and mayoress Jacqueline Cloke.

Cllr Debo Sellis, said: ‘We would like to thank you for the brilliant year you have given us. Cllr Cloke is passionate about representing the people and he has been exemplary in his role. Thank you.’

Cllr Robert Sampson added: ‘I knew he would make an excellent mayor and he has been an admirable representative for West Devon, with a special note for the eloquent and well managed mayoral awards which took place recently.’

Cllr Philip Sanders has been re-elected as the leader of the council and Cllr Bob Baldwin re-elected as deputy leader.

Members also appointed committee chairmen at the full council meeting. The Hub Committee will be chaired by Cllr Philip Sanders, as will the Planning and Licencing Committee. Cllr Robin Musgrave will chair Overview and Scrutiny (Internal) Committee and Overview and Scrutiny Committee (External) will be chaired by Cllr Debo Sellis.

Cllr Tony Leech continues in the role of chairman of the Standards Committee and Cllr Mike Davies also continues to chair the Audit Committee.

Stay updated by following the mayor on Twitter at @CllrJohnSheldon as he attends engagements throughout the year.