Improving youth provision in Great Dunmow will be the top priority for the town’s new mayor.

Cllr Jonathan Cadwallader was voted into the role at the annual town council meeting last Thursday. Cllr Barrie Easter will support as deputy mayor.

Cllr Cadwallader’s fundraising efforts will go towards supporting young people aged 12 to 18. He also wants to use his year in office to encourage more youngsters to get involved with council affairs.

Speaking to the Broadcast, the former headteacher, who first served on the council in his early 20s, said: “I want to improve facilities for the younger generation and I want to get them more involved in the community.

“It would also be lovely to see a new generation interested in civic matters.”

He added: “It is a great honour and privilege to have been voted mayor of Great Dunmow. I want to be a good chairman, letting everybody have their say and being fair.”

Out-going mayor, Cllr Milne, thanked the council, town clerk Caroline Fuller, and his wife June, for their support during his time in office.

Over the pasts 12 months he attended 90 events within the community and raised over £5,000 for charity.

Cllr Milne said: “It has been a great honour and privilege for June and I to have been mayor and mayoress of Great Dunmow. It has been a wonderful experience and we have met some lovely people.

“I want to thank the people of Dunmow for their support for the events we have held during the year in aid of the Mayor’s Community Charity Fund. Thank you all very much.”

The money raised was spilt between the Dunmow & District Stroke Support Group, local pre-school groups and the Dunmow Atlantis Swimming Club.