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Deputy mayor Chris Holbourn, mayoress Gill Pitt, and mayor Keith Francis

LEDBURY's new Mayor, Keith Francis was elected with a unanimous vote among town councillors at a meeting in the Market House last night.

His Mayoress is Mrs Gill Pitt and the Deputy Mayor is Cllr Chris Holbourn.

Cllr Francis, in accepting a second term as mayor, following a highly successful term in 2003/2004 said: "I've lived in Ledbury for 31 years and I would not live anywhere else. To be mayor once is a great honour.

"To be mayor twice is an even greater honour."

He said the challenges for the year ahead including supporting local businesses during a period of national economic downturn and to further improve youth facilities and opportunities in the town.

His mayoral charity will be the Macmillan Renton Appeal, because it will be of benefit to Ledbury people and the whole county.

Ledbury's new deputy mayor, Cllr Holbourn, has been chairman of Eastnor and Donnington Parish Council for the last four years.

Cllr Holbourn, who works parts time as a teacher of design and technology at the Downs Schools said: "I was very surprised to be elected as deputy mayor, because I thought that other people might go ahead.

"But it was a nice surprise."

Cllr Phillip Bettington did stand against him on the night, but was defeated by 12 votes to five.

In welcoming Cllr Holbourn as deputy mayor, Cllr Francis said: "We shall work well together.

"We have disagreed on some issues, but that's what politics is all about."

Cllr Bettington was voted in as chairman of the town's environment and leisure committee.

His vice-chairman is Cllr Rob Yeoman.

The chairman of the finance and general purposes committee is Paul Winter. His vice-chairman is Cllr Clive Jupp.

The chairman of the planning and economic development committee is Cllr Maurice Harding.

His vice chairman is Cllr Jayne Roberts.

2:39pm Friday 9th May 2008

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