WALLINGFORD town councillor Ros Lester has been given another chance to celebrate the Queen's long reign after being appointed mayor for the second time.

When Mrs Lester was mayor in 2012 it was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and this time she is looking forward to leading celebrations across the year for the Queen's 90th birthday.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to my second year as mayor - Wallingford is a fabulous town.

"The Queen's Diamond Jubilee came in 2012 and this year it's the Queen's 90th birthday so both years in office have a strong Royal theme."

The former primary school teacher is following in the footsteps of Lynda Atkins, who has also been mayor twice.

Ms Atkins is completing her year as town mayor and will hand over the mayor's responsibilities at the mayor-making ceremony on Monday, May 9.

Mrs Lester was deputy headteacher at St John’s Primary School, where she worked for 30 years before retiring in 2011.

The mother-of-one is married to Kenny Lester, who was the youngest British male Olympian when he took part in the 1960 Rome Olympics as a rowing cox.

Mrs Lester was last mayor in 2012/2013 and helped to host the celebrations when the Olympic Torch was carried through Wallingford.

The grandmother-of-two said she was looking forward to a tea party on Sunday, August 14 in the Castle Gardens to celebrate the Queen's landmark birthday.

She added: "I'm a Friend of Wallingford day centre, which is under threat because of county council cuts being proposed, so I will be doing as much as I can to support it.

"As I was teaching for such a long time I know lots of people – I see children I taught taking their children to school."

Ms Atkins said: "It has been a huge honour and privilege being mayor of Wallingford for the second time.

"The first time in 2005/2006 was a special year as it included the 850th anniversary of the town's Royal Charter.

"I think the town is flourishing. Events such as the St George's Day celebrations and the vehicle rally are well established and last year the cycling festival started well and is back in June.

"There are very few empty shops. The pop-up shop initiative backed by the town council has been a huge success.

"With all the different events you have to attend your diary does get very busy and I am looking forward to my schedule being not quite so packed.

"I feel as if the town is in very good shape as I hand over to Ros and I am sure she will have a great year as mayor.

"As she was a primary school teacher for so many years lot of people in Wallingford know her and are very fond of her."

Before her first year as mayor Mrs Lester had already served as deputy mayor, mayor’s escort and deputy mayor’s escort.

Mrs Lester's husband Kenny is now High Steward of Wallingford, and attends a number of ceremonial events throughout the year.