WELLINGTON’S new town clerk will be getting down to work next month as she prepares to take over the role next year.

Kathryn Hemensley, 55, who lives near West Buckland, will be working in tandem with current town clerk Greg Dyke from Monday, October 22.

Kathryn, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the social housing sector, said: "Wellington is a lovely town and I am delighted to have been appointed to the role.

"I am very community-minded and will aim to support the council in helping the town thrive and be an enjoyable place to live."

Kathryn is originally from Dorset and spent some time in London before going to horticultural college at Cannington from 1992-95. "I liked Somerset so much, I decided to stay," she said. Horticulture remains a big interest and she enjoys growing vegetables.

The WWN reported last month that Mr Dyke, 67, planned to retire after ten years in the job on December 31.