THE new mayor of Taunton Deane, Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey, has begun her year in office after fellow councillors selected her at the council’s annual meeting.

Cllr Prior-Sankey was elected to the council in 2003 representing the Blackbrook and Holway ward. She will be supported in her duties by her consort, husband Adrian Prior-Sankey, a former mayor of Taunton Deane in 2002/03.

The mayor’s charities for the year ahead are Stand Against Violence (SAV) and Hestercombe Gardens Trust.

SAV works with young people to prevent violence through a variety of workshops and talks focusing on personal safety, anger and aggression, basic life support and the awareness of choices and consequences.

Adam Fouracre set up the charity in memory of his brother Lloyd, who was beaten to death in Taunton in 2005.

HGT aims to restore, preserve and enhance the gardens and buildings for the education and benefit of the public.

It relies on the support of individuals and organisations to continue its award­-winning restoration, maintenance and development of the historic gardens and buildings. 

Cllr Prior-Sankey said: “I am proud to be elected as mayor of Taunton Deane and am looking forward to supporting a wide range of organisations and individuals at events throughout the year, as well as raising funds for my two chosen charities.”

The mayor and her consort hosted a celebration dinner at Oake Manor Golf Club.

Cllr Prior-Sankey succeeds Cllr Vivienne Stock-Williams as Mayor.