THE World Champion for Wellington Boot Throwing in the over 70s category is the new Mayor for the town.

Cllr Bob Bowrah was unanimously elected at Wellington Town Council’s annual meeting earlier this month.

It’s not the first time Bob has taken up the role of Mayor, he has previously been the council’s chairman before it changed to having a Mayor.

He also served as Mayor for Taunton Deane back in 2009/10.

Bob, who was awarded a British Empire Medal in 1980, settled in Wellington in 1977 with wife Liz, after an illustrious 27-year career in HM Forces.

He has worked all over the world, including a stint in Ireland during the troubles, Hong Kong, Libya and Germany.

But it was during his time in Plymouth in the late 1960s that Bob realised he wanted to become a councillor.

He said: “It was during the miner strikes in the late 60s and 70s.

“Nothing was being done, the rubbish wasn’t being collected so we had mountains of rubbish on the streets.

“The dead weren’t being buried, properly either.

“This always sticks in my mind and for me as the reason I wanted to become a councillor because I think it was wrong and I wanted to do something.”

Bob also represents the Wellington West Ward on Taunton Deane Council and is chairman of the Taunton Deane Planning Committee.

He added: “I love Wellington, it’s a lovely little town with a lot going on and there is a great atmosphere.

“We have a lot of voluntary organisations in the town and a wide variety of events to suit all tastes including concerts in the park, a food fair, a street fair and the carnival.

“We also hold the World Welly Boot Throwing Competition, of which I am champion of for the over 70s and I will be defending my title this year.

“Wellington is going through an unprecedented period of housing growth, with Long- forth Farm, Cades Farm and Jurston Farm housing developments going ahead at the full pace.

“The town council faces many challenges that the increase in housing will have and the impact on schools, medical facilities, roads and infrastructures in general.

“Working parties have been set up to try and soften this impact and all council members are working on these challenges.

“On the good news front we welcome such as Waitrose, Rigidboard, and soon Weatherspoons.

“We also have many small traders who fill our town centre with many diverse shops and businesses.”