A NEWLY installed mayor has laid down a challenge to the people in her town, inviting them to take part in a sponsored walk for charity.

Great Dunmow’s 10th mayor came into office last week and immediately set out her stall to support charities and unite the town by organising a one-off walk around council-owned land.

Wendy Barron, 67, follows in the footsteps of incumbent Gwynn Davies and now has 12 months to achieve her goals.

“The charities I have chosen to support are the Uttlesford Community Travel for whom I have been a driver for many years and also Uttlesford MIND which helps people with mental health problems integrate back into the community,” said Cllr Barron.

“Another challenge I have set myself, and the people of Dunmow, is a one-off event to walk around the council-owned land and hopefully raise enough money to sponsor a Shelter Box – emergency equipment to be sent out to any disaster area in the world.”

Although no date has been set for the walk, Cllr Barron hopes that everyone will get involved. The Shelter Box charity provides essentials for people who have been struck by natural disasters.