TAUNTON Deane's new Mayor and her husband are reversing their roles from 15 years ago.

Hazel Prior-Sankey was installed as the district's first citizen at Taunton Deane Borough Council's annual meeting at the Cooper Associates County Ground last Thursday.

Cllr Prior-Sankey was Mayoress in 2002-03, when her husband, Adrian, who is serving as her Consort over the coming year, was Mayor.

Her chosen charities are Stand Against Violence, which works with young people to prevent violence, and Hestercombe Gardens Trust, which aims to restore, preserve and enhance the gardens and buildings.

Mrs Prior-Sankey, who succeeds Cllr Vivienne Stock-Williams, 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.”

A LibDem district councillor representing the Blackbrook and Holway ward since 2003, her first formal engagement was a concert by Richard Huish College students at St Johns Church on Friday, followed by a celebration dinner at Oake Manor Golf Club.

Cllr Catherine Herbert has been installed as Deputy Mayor and is likely to become Mayor next May.