Dorchester’S new mayor says she will draw inspiration from her predecessor during her mayoral year.

Tess James will become mayor of the county town after only four years as a councillor.

Coun James, who was first elected to Dorchester Town Council in 2007, said she was ‘delighted’ to take over the mayoral robes and chain from current incumbent Les Phillips, whom she described as a ‘real example’.

The retired paediatric physiotherapist, who was based at the then Child Development Unit in Damers Road, said her selection was a surprise.

Coun James said: “It wasn’t expected obviously because I was only standing for my second term as a town councillor so it was not on my agenda.”

Coun James said she faced a nervous wait as she found out about her selection before the local elections but had to be voted in before the appointment was confirmed.

She said: “I was delighted. It was quite a relief when the Friday morning after the elections came and it became a reality.”

Coun James who lives in Monmouth Road with her husband Roland Tarr, her consort for the year, said she is looking forward to getting out in the community.

She said: “It just finding out what goes on in Dorchester and meeting people across the board, that is what I’m really looking forward to.

“I have lived in Dorchester for 32 years and you think you know a lot of what goes on but you don’t, it’s really a chance to get to know your town and the people.”

Couple are 'an example to us all'

TESS James, who will officially take up her post following a mayor making ceremony on May 23, paid tribute to outgoing mayor Les Phillips, who is retiring from the council after 46 years, and his wife Vonty.

She said: “He is somebody who has served the town for so long and so well and if I can aspire to do half as he has done I shall be very pleased.

“He and Vonty have been a real example to us all and I don’t think we can thank them enough for the work they have done over the years.”

Coun Phillips said he felt Coun James would do a ‘first class job’ for the town.

He said: “I am very pleased for her.

“I hope she does it her way.

“Tess has only been on the council for four years so it is a great achievement.

“I think she will do a first class job for Dorchester.”