Portland’S new mayor says he plans to give the island international recognition as the Olympics approach.

Councillor Ian Munro-Price donned the chain of office at the official mayor making ceremony at the Heights Hotel on Portland.

He becomes the island’s first citizen after seven years on Portland Town Council.

Councillor Munro-Price’s wife Elspie will serve as the mayoress while Councillor Sylvia Bradley will serve as deputy mayor.

He said: “The coming of the Olympics gives us the opportunity to promote Portland and the wider borough.

“I intend to work hard in my year as mayor to promote Portland to the rest of the world.”

Wakeham resident Coun Munro-Price said he has selected the Osprey Leisure Centre and the Easton Community Group as his charities.

Coun Munro-Price paid tribute to outgoing mayor David Thurston.

He said: “I would like to recognise what David has done this past year.

“Both he and his wife Lizzy have spent a lot of time and effort and have done their best to represent Portland.”

Councillor Thurston bowed out in a procession led by Portland town crier Stuart Cave.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed this year immensely. It’s been an honour and a privilege.

“I would like to say thanks to my fellow mayors during this year.

“In particular I would like to mention Councillor Paul Kimber, the mayor of Weymouth and Portland and his mayoress Helen.”

Coun Thurston said his biggest achievements over the year included instigating a town crier for the island and resurrecting the Portland flag.

“It was a very moving experience for me to visit HMS Portland and see our flag flying.”

He praised residents for coming together to combat anti-social behaviour on the island.

“I was immensely proud of the local people who stood up to be counted.”

Coun Thurston passed on his best wishes to his successor.

“Congratulations to the new mayor – may his year be as delightful as my own,” he said.