THE role of mayor has changed hands after two years.

Former councillor Gary James handed over his chains at the annual meeting of Wellington Town Council on Monday evening (May 13).

Cllr James, who has represented the town, took the council through a report of the last year, marking its achievements and its priorities for the year to come.

He spoke of the challenging times facing local councils, and the new opportunities following the creation of the new Somerset West and Taunton Council.

The job is now going to Cllr Janet Lloyd, who recently stood as an Independent councillor.

She holds a seat for Wellington East on the new district council, and has been a town councillor since 2007.

Janet Lloyd said: "Gary and his wife have done a wonderful job.

"If I do half a good a job I will be pleased."

The May town council meeting took place shortly after the annual meeting.

A number of grants were agreed, including £750 to the Wellington Museum and Local History Society, £1,000 to the Wellington Majorettes, and £500 for the Skintight Samba Group.

The council will be collaborating with dementia charity Reminiscence Learning to provide a community defibrillator near the charity's headquarters in Tonedale.

The council also agreed to further look into taking on the adjacent office building, as well as another quick discussion regarding the Dormouse woodland at the Jurston Farm development.