Dorchester mayor Gareth Jones has marked the end of his year with a reception for town council colleagues, friends and supporters.

His unusual year started with what was believed to be a first for Dorchester, an outdoor mayor-making ceremony in the Borough Gardens held in May 2021, brought about because of ongoing Covid restrictions.

He was the town's 393rd mayor, a role which began in 1629.

During the evening reception at the town hall, councillor Jones thanked town council staff, fellow councillors and members of community organisations for the support shown to him and mayoress, Anne, during their year.

Senior town councillor Stella Jones thanked the couple on behalf of the community for their work while town crier Alistair Chisholm ended the speeches with a cry to the mayor.

During the year the mayor and mayoress have raised funds for the GAP project based on a community garden area off Lubbecke Way which provides practical support to those with mental health problems.

The other charity to receive support was the community café and shop based in Trinity Street led by the local team at Mencap Mid Dorset. The project provides opportunities for people with learning difficulties to volunteer and work in the community – giving them the opportunity to meet other people, reduce their isolation, and learn skills such as cooking and handling money, to help with their long-term independence. It also provides skills training and accreditation to help improve the chances of getting future paid work elsewhere.

Cllr Jones mayoral role continues until May 23.

Among his duties this week were attending the Tatterdemalion's Springtime Ceilidh in the Corn Exchange, which followed the mayoral reception, and opening the Earth Day event at the Great Field on Saturday.

On Tuesday, April 26 he and the mayoress will attend the mayor of Yeovil's civic day and on Thursday, April 28 will be at the Agatha Christie Exhibition launch at Shire Hall.

The town crier's tribute cry to the outgoing mayor –

Gareth has his duties done

As Dorchester's citizen number one.

The town's great story he espouses,

And all who want a part he boldly rouses.

He's proved himself both thinker and doer,

With unfinished projects growing fewer and fewer.

With Anne at his side to keep him steady,

For every new initiative he's always been ready.

Let's give him three cheers for his Mayoral year,

And then dance till dawn while supping fine beer…