COUNCILLOR Sandy West has been invested with the chain of office as the new mayor of Portland at a ceremony held at the Heights Hotel.

Civic leaders from around the county, representatives of local organisations and family and friends were present to share in the important occasion.

In her first mayoral speech she said: "I feel as though I have stumbled into a live action scenario and as I look at the medallions on the chain I am now wearing I realise that I am following in the path of many great names.

"When I first saw Portland in 1967, I felt that I had arrived in Brigadoon but I know now that, unlike Brigadoon, Portland is here to stay, it will never disappear."

She spoke of how everyone was devastated when the Royal Navy left the Island and added: "We have risen from that to prove that we have a real future together.

"There are great opportunities now, especially with Portland being the focal point for the Olympic sailing events, for us to do so much for ourselves."

She added: "The past is wonderful but we must move forward if we are to make our dreams happen.

"I may be a Kimberlin but in my heart I am a Portlander and I will do everything I can for the good of the Island - I will even turn up to open an envelope if that is going to help in any way."

Coun Richard Paisley was elected as deputy mayor, mayor's escort duties will be shared by Sally McKinstry and Brian White and the Rev Chris Briggs will be mayor's chaplain.