THE Mayor, Cllr Gary James, has been given a second term of office to represent Wellington at civic occasions around the region.

It has been the norm in recent years for a member of Wellington Town Council to serve as Mayor for just one year.

But Cllr James has been given the honour of holding the role for a second year.

Cllr Peter Critchard said he was in favour of Cllr James continuing as Mayor for another term.

“If you want to be Mayor for two years you should – unless you are rubbish,” he told the annual council meeting.

“During the first year the Mayor is finding their feet and then the second year they hit the ground running.

“It also puts the council on a firmer footing with a Mayor in place for two years.”

The council voted in favour of Cllr James continuing as Mayor with Cllr Janet Lloyd remaining as Deputy Mayor for a second year.

Cllr James undertook the usual wide variety of engagements over the previous 12 months and represented the council and the community both locally and at many locations all over Somerset – around 130 in total.

Greg Dyke, clerk to Wellington Town Council, said: “The Mayor this year has been proactive in welcoming new businesses to the town.

“He has also supported local charities by donating his Mayoral allowance to five different local organisations, celebrated his 70th birthday by playing 70 sponsored squash matches for local charities and he danced the Time Warp!”

Cllr James said he was looking forward to staying on as Mayor and that it was a real honour to represent the town.