DORCHESTER’S new mayor has vowed to do all she can to help businesses struggling in the face of the economic recession.

Councillor Susie Hosford was sworn in as the town’s first citizen at a ceremony in the Corn Exchange, taking over the mayoral robes from Kate Hebditch.

Coun Hosford has served on Dorchester Town Council since 2003.

She said: “I am looking forward to the coming year hugely.

“It’s a great privilege to undertake the role for the town and I’m looking forward to meeting as many people in Dorchester as possible and finding out as much as I can about what goes on in the town.”

For her mayoral charity appeal Coun Hosford will be raising funds for the Julia’s House children’s hospice, in particular its West of County Care Team, and will also continue Coun Hebditch’s support of the Dorchester Opportunity Group.

She added: “It’s a difficult time and I will also be doing everything I can to help promote local business and encourage people to shop locally.

“We don’t want Dorchester to be Dorset’s best-kept secret.”

Coun Hosford has also been a member of the district council since 2007.