THE new mayor of Wantage is newly-elected town and district councillor Charlotte Dickson.

The Tory took over from Liberal Democrat Jim Sibbald on Monday night after he lost his seat on the council.

The Conservatives took both Wantage Town Council and Vale of White Horse District Council from the Lib Dems in the elections.

Mrs Dickson said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as mayor, and would like to thank all those people who voted for a change.

“We have lots of ideas for improving Wantage and hope to reverse the decline of recent years.”

Outgoing mayor Mr Sibbald will officiate at the Scots Guards march through Wantage on Saturday, having organised the event.

Wantage Town Council offered the regiment the Freedom of the Town to mark a historic link — Lord Wantage, Robert Lindsay, served with the Scots Guards.

Mrs Dickson added: “I do hope that we get a good turnout for the parade as it should be a great day for the town.”

Fiona Roper, also elected to the Vale and town councils, was elected deputy mayor.

She was also appointed Wantage champion on the Vale council.

She said: “This role will involve promoting Wantage to the business community and to visitors.

“I would like to see the town become a more vibrant environment. Our aim is to make Wantage a destination of choice for new businesses and tourists.”