A CIVIC Service to celebrate the year ahead for the Mayor of Taunton Deane Cllr Vivienne Stock-Williams has been held in Wellington.

The Rev Tim Treanor and the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev Prebendary Christopher Rowley, led the service in St John the Baptist Church.

The congregation of 120 people included mayors and chairmen from local authorities across Somerset and beyond, representatives from the emergency services and local cadet forces.

Several past mayors from Taunton Deane Borough Council were also present, along with current members including council leader Cllr John Williams and Deputy Mayor Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey, who gave a reading.

During the service the Mayor’s Chaplain conducted a ceremony confirming the commitment of councillors to their electorate and the commitment of citizens to their councillors.

Relationships with other local authorities including West Somerset Council and Somerset County Council, the local MP and the twin towns of Lisieux and Konigslutter were also celebrated.

Lance Corporal Paul Bowler, 16, of the Taunton Sea Cadets and the Royal Marine Cadets was sworn in as the Mayor’s Cadet to assist Cllr Stock-Williams in her work for the community.

A retiring collection was made for the Mayor’s Charities – Children’s Hospice South West, Reminiscence Learning and Somerset National Gardens Scheme, raising £349.

Cllr Stock-Williams said: “I was delighted that so many people were able to celebrate with me. It was a truly memorable day and I am grateful for all the support I received.”