A MUSEUM curator put on her new robes and chain and took on the role of Dorchester Mayor.

Coun Kate Hebditch now holds the title of Dorchester's first citizen after a traditional ceremony at the Corn Exchange.

For the next 12 months Coun Hebditch pledged to support the Maiden Castle Children's Centre that is soon to be built in the town and also to introduce a literacy event for children in Dorchester.

She said: "The second charity relates to the fact that the mayor's role is famous as a literary character and this is the National Year of Reading so I want to run an event called Get Dorchester Reading.

"It will involve well-known authors to inspire children and young people to read.

"These events are offered in cities but not in rural areas so why should our children miss out?"

Coun Hebditch, a Liberal Democrat councillor for Dorchester's north ward has lived in the area for 18 years is a freelance museum and heritage consultant and has worked with many voluntary groups in the area.

She told her fellow council that as councillors they all need to champion the people of Dorchester to continue to provide great things.

Coun Hebditch, 44, was nominated for the role by Councillor Susie Hosford who said: "Kate will make every effort as mayor and she is the type of person who doesn't see any reason why politics can't be fun.

"So we are in for an interesting year."

Councillors went on to pay tributes to outgoing mayor and mayoress David and Lynda Barrett for their outstanding commitment and unfaltering dedication over the past 12 months.

The couple now take on the role of deputy mayor and mayoress.