Gareth Jones has become the new chairman of Dorchester Town Council and will become mayor later in the month.

He takes on the role from Richard Biggs who will serve during the coming year as vice chairman and deputy mayor. Because of the pandemic Cllr Biggs extended his role for more than the usual year.

The election took place at the council's annual meeting on Wednesday evening.

Cllr Gareth Jones was first elected to the council in 2011 and serves on the policy and planning and environment committees.

He has lived in Dorset for 30 years, nearly all of them in Dorchester having worked as a council economic development officer for over 15 years, supporting the development of jobs, skills and business growth.

He lists his interests as including singing, playing music, dancing, gardening and badminton.