Dorchester’S new mayor has officially taken up her role.

Tess James was presented with her mayoral robe and chain at a mayor making ceremony at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange.

It was an emotional night for her predecessor Les Phillips, who stepped down from the town council after 46 years spent serving the people of Dorchester.

Coun James was appointed mayor after serving as a town councillor for just one term.

Her nomination was proposed by Coun Fiona Kent-Ledger and seconded by Coun David Barrett.

Coun James paid tribute to Coun Phillips and all that he and his wife Vonty had done for the town over the last four decades.

She said: “I am very much in awe of Leslie’s long service in the town and wish to pay tribute to him and his wife Vonty for all they have done in that time.”

Coun James also welcomed the new members of the town council.

She said she looked forward to finding out more about all the charities and organisations working in the town during her year as Dorchester’s first citizen.

The retired paediatric physiotherapist added: “One of the strategic aims of the town council is to help to create a socially inclusive and caring community which embraces all its residents.

“During my year as mayor I will work as hard as possible to do this.”

Coun James will be supported during her mayoral year by her husband Roland Tarr as consort and Coun Susie Hosford, who will continue in her role as deputy mayor for the second year running.

She has chosen three charities to benefit during the year – Mediation Dorset, Footprints and Dorset Nightstop.

Coun James told the crowd that she plans to run the Great South Run in October and the Bath Half Marathon next March to boost her fundraising efforts.

Coun Phillips, who served as mayor four times, and his wife Vonty, were given a standing ovation after being thanked by the council for all the work they had done for Dorchester during his mayoral year and over the years.

Coun Phillips said: “We have had so many happy memories of my years as a councillor, especially the four years as mayor and mayoress.”