WESTON has welcomed in its new Mayor, Cllr John Crockford-Hawley.

Cllr Crockford-Hawley has taken over the role from Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, who has held the post for the last year.

Cllr Crockford-Hawley has a long history with Weston and has spent years supporting its people.

Outlining the new Mayor's achievements, a post made on the Mayor's social media account reads: "In 1976 John Crockford-Hawley was this District’s youngest councillor and Head of Geography at Wyvern School (now Hans Price Academy).

"Half a century later and blessed with excellent health and hearty energy, John remains hard at work pursuing the best interests of his home town; its people and prosperity, its distinctive heritage, and its challenging future.

"As a councillor elected to both Weston Town Council (Mayor 1984-5) and North Somerset District Council (Chairman 2016-17), John is well known for his critical understanding of local history, arts and culture, planning, transport and urban regeneration.

"Community engagement has always been crucial to him, and that means being actively involved in the organisations he supports. When appalling planning decisions were being made in the 1970s, John co-founded Weston Civic Society.

"As President of Axe District Scouts (by far the area’s largest youth organisation), he is encouraging new links between the young people of Weston and our twin town of Hildesheim in Germany.

"Everyone in Weston supports the RNLI, and John has done his bit researching and writing the official history of Weston’s lifeboat service.

"As North Somerset’s Heritage Champion, Patron of Harmonia Sacra and a much sought after speaker at local events he continues to promote and support Weston’s diverse cultural offer.

"As Mayor 'JCH' is unlikely to have a restful year!"

Cllr Cronnelly added: "Thank you and goodbye.

"It's been an incredible honour to have represented our amazing and beautiful town of Weston-super-Mare as your mayor. I have spent my year learning and promoting as many incredible residents, communities and businesses as I can, and showing that Weston is amazing.

"We are a town with a thriving, positive and passionate community. We are a town that I truly believe is special and one of the best places to live and work."