CHARD’S new mayor has been elected at the town’s annual council meeting.

Cllr Garry Shortland has taken over the role after several years of service as the deputy mayor.

Cllr Shortland, who represents the Avishayes ward, took over the role from outgoing mayor, Cllr Dave Bulmer.

Cllr Bulmer served in the role as mayor for the last two years.

Chard town crier Stuart Cummings took to social media to announce the appointment.

He said: "Oyez, oyez, oyez. I am very pleased to announce that the new mayor of Chard fof the coming year is Cllr Garry Shortland and his deputy is Cllr Andy Kenton.

"Congratulations and good luck to you both."

Cllr Jason Baker said: "I'm really pleased to announce that Garry Shortland is now the mayor of Chard and Andy Kenton is the deputy.

"I look forward to working with you both over the coming years I'm sure great things will soon be planned."

Cllr Amanda Broom said: "Congratulations to the new mayor of Chard, Cllr Garry Shortland, and deputy mayor Cllr Andy Kenton.

"Thanks were expressed to Cllr Dave Bulmer for his previous two years as mayor at tonight's Chard Town Council meeting."